Last week I turned 27 (yikes, I’m in my late 20’s!!!) and had a fun birthday celebration. I can always count on James to make my birthday extra special (even when I’m turning a boring age), and this year he definitely did not disappoint! Instead of just giving me a gift to open, James planned a day of fun things for us to do, starting with something that he KNEW I would love.

A few years ago we visited an Exotic Feline Rescue Center that is a couple of hours away from where we currently live. I had such a great time (especially since I got to play with a tiger cub) and had been talking about going back ever since. Little did I know that one of the largest “Big Cat” Rescue Center’s in the U.S. is located just over an hour away from us! On my “birthday celebration day” as I like to call it, I had no clue where we were going or what we were doing. When I first spotted the sign for the Center I screamed and got so excited! I knew it was going to be a fun day. :-)

The Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Center Point, IN provides permanent homes for exotic felines that have been abused, abandoned, or for some reason have no where to live out their lives, while educating the public about these animals. What I like about this place is they do not buy, sell, or breed big cats. Once rescued, they give the cats a home for life and provide veterinary care for them. The 103 acre property currently houses over 225 big cats!

Some of the cats were hard to spot in their enclosures due to the heavy foliage, but many of them (who weren’t napping) would come right up to the fence and want attention. They were very friendly (although we were asked not to pet them). It SO much fun; I just had to keep reminding myself that it would not be a good idea to take one of them home! Next time we go back, I totally want to stay at their on-site guest quarters where you get a full-day pass and get access to the two areas that are not open to the general public. :-)

This guy was sooooo cute! Check out the video of him roaring at the end. :-)

Nap time in the shade. :-)

After we hung out with the kitties we went to Surprise #2 which was horseback riding! I would totally never have guessed this because James has always told me he was scared to ride. :-) We went trail riding at McCormick’s Creek State Park. It was a lot of fun, although my bottom was pretty sore for a couple of days!

James grabbed a few shots of me and my horse, Pow, on his phone. I might as well be a professional jockey now. ;-)

My birthday celebration day finished out with a delicious cake from some of our friends! They surprised me with it while we were out to eat at Church’s Chicken. I know, I know– we do things up WAY too classy.

Why use a regular knife to cut your cake when you can use one of these?

Here are a couple of videos I took at the Cat Reserve. Enjoy!! :-)

 

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