{Birthday}

"Riley, with love and Happy Birthday. Love, Carrie Underwood!" 

   July 8th of 2011 will always be one of my favorite day. It is also the day I turned 18, and had one of the best birthdays ever. A little bit of history on the life of Riley, I love country music and going to concerts is one of my favorite things to do. There is just that feeling you get when you're in an arena with thousands of people all there to enjoy the music of one of your favorite bands or singers. If I could go to a concert every weekend I would. This particular concert though was special. 

   The concert this day was a Carrie Underwood concert. If you haven't seen her live, she is an incredible artist, and has a great voice. My mom had bought myself and my friend, Jessica tickets to go to this show. The concert was in Ohio at a festival called "Country Concert," this concert is a three day event, however, we only went to the one day. I have been to plenty of concerts, but this one was particularly special simply because it was one of my favorite singers, and it was my birthday.

   We had woken up bright and early in our hotel room to get ready for the day. Jessica and I had to be at the show at noon because the festival was an all day event. We got there, got our seats, and were ready for the show. The JaneDear Girls took the stage first, followed by Josh Thompson. By the time that Josh Thompson was playing my friend Kristin, who happened to be at the same show was there, so I went back by the backstage area and met up with her. We exchanged a few words before a lady came up and was handing out meet and greet passes to people who had won them through the fan club. Kristin and her husband knew that they would be meeting Carrie Underwood that day because they had won a contest. However, I had no clue that I would be meeting Carrie that day too. The lady called my name, and I was shocked that I had won. Typically I would've gotten an e-mail about this, but I never received one. Thankfully I was there when she called my name, or I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to meet her. 

  All of us had our meet and greet stickers and we were lead to Carrie Underwood's tour bus, where the meet and greet took place. She was the most sweet, down to earth singer I have ever met. She wished me happy birthday, and autographed my poster. We took two pictures together and chatted a bit. Then I was one my way. Kristin and I took a picture backstage, and then talked and hung out a little more before the show started.

  Around 9pm Carrie Underwood took the stage, and rocked the house. She was amazing. Jessica and I had the time of our life singing and dancing. As stated before Carrie Underwood puts on one hell of a show. The night quickly came to an end, and we headed back to the hotel room. This birthday will always be one of my favorites, and I don't know if anything can top it!!