Since Brad, Rex, and Mark's birthdays are all a month apart, Brad likes to plan a birthday party for all the guys (and us wives) every year.
Instead of just going out to eat, this year he wanted to do something different, something we've never done before. So he told everyone to wear comfortable shoes, and then surprised us all with an evening of ax throwing at Battle Axes in Lexington!
The venue was in an old part of Lexington that's being restored. The old brick building itself was a sight to see, with a huge awesome mural painted right onto the brick!
The place was pretty cool inside too (Mark taking a groupie)!
There was a wall of prop for picture taking,
and even a bar where you could get beer, or any kind of drink you preferred (I don't know how well beer and ax throwing mix, but it was all good, the ax throwing that is, it was all on the up and up).
Each throwing area was separated from the others by a chain link fence (very smart).
And had a "pit boss" to give instructions and keep everyone safe (especially from ourselves!).
Our pit boss was Austin, and he was very friendly and helpful!
I didn't realize there was so much into throwing an ax! There were even different types and sizes of axes to choose from (I guess that makes sense).
Veronica was no nonsense when it came to ax throwing!
The proper way to hold the ax was either two-handed overhead,
or one-handed overhead.
Sadly, this was not a bullseye, but was so close (story of my life)!
All of us looking on ...
as Brad throws another bullseye! 
We all had great time, and were proud of our accomplishments, but there's definitely a technique to ax throwing, and like anything else, it requires practice, which I'm looking forward to doing in the future!
Ax throwing caused us to work up a hearty appetite so Brad suggested we broaden our horizons and try authentic Japanese Ramen (not to be confused with the gross stuff they sell in the U.S.). It wasn't new to me, however, Japanese Ramen is one of my favorite Japanese meals!
No birthday party would be complete without singing "Happy Birthday" and eating ice cream and cake, which we did after dinner, at the Holt's house.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Red Velvet cake, compliments of Costco,
and Bluebell ice cream (of course)!
It was the perfect ending to a perfect date!
