Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Up, Up, and AWAY!!

So, my ridiculously awesome wife surprised me with a SKYDIVING trip for my birthday this year!! I have always wanted to go, but of late, Katie had "convinced" me that it wasn't a good idea, now that we have a child to look after and stuff. So I had kinda given up on the idea. Then, a couple days before my birthday, she got Campbell to come out with a piece of paper that Campbell had colored that said "Happy Birthday Daddy" on it, but on the other side were pictures of people skydiving with my and her brother's face on them(she got him to go with me). I was very surprised, but unfortunately showed it by not acting all that excited. I was shocked and actually VERY pumped! Anyway, we went this past Saturday at a place outside Atlanta.

It was easily THE coolest thing I have ever done! I mean really, how much cool stuff do people do that would be more awesome than skydiving? I jumped tandem as you can see from the pictures below and a cameraman videoed the whole thing which was really nice to have. Man! It was awesome! We jumped from 14,000 ft. and pulled the chute at about 5,000 ft. Free fall for at least a full minute, then sailed down the rest of the way over about 7-8 minutes. The falling sensation lasts for about 2-3 seconds until your velocity plateaus, then it just feels like a giant fan is blowing wind at you, and its really loud. After the chute opens its dead silent and all you hear is the gentle flapping of the chute and you can look around and enjoy the view. Landing was smooth and everything. We were asking the guys how much it would cost to get all our own gear and learn to do it on our own. Because after you get certified its only about $20-30 for a "lift ticket" for them to take you up. Not too bad.












Anyway, check out the picks and give Kate major props for the most awesome birthday present ever.

True or False, I have the best wife ever and you're jealous she's not yours? I'll save you the thinking . . . TRUE!

8 comments:

The Collins Family said...

Yes, Ben, your wife is awesome....but you are a NUT!!! :) Fun pictures!

Anonymous said...

I agree with The Collins Family, Katie is GREAT and you are crazy! I can't believe she actually went through with getting you the tickets for it. I'm glad you had a great time!

The Slagleys said...

True! Best wife ever! But- I think that may not be the COOLEST thing you have ever done. :)

nick, robyn and taylor said...

WHAT?!?!?! That's awesome! Katie is for sure the awesomest and we're glad you got to live out a dream...and we're glad you're safe! Come to Mobile, soon. I totally missed your birthday and I'm guessing Nick did, too. Eventhough we're forgetful friends you should come see us soon. :)
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!

danielle said...

Yes-Katie you are the best wife ever! You win. I don't think I could do that but then again I don't think my husband would go skydiving even if I told him he could. Happy Birthday Ben and glad you had a great time.

Kimmie said...

TRUE! ..and apparently ste ste thinks that about her cooking too. wish i could live up to that.:):)

Parks Avenue said...

YEs I am the worst friend for missing your birthday, but luckily Kaite is awesome at giving presents. If you were on facebook I would have seen a reminder!!! Anwyas I am so jealous! It looks like you and Bryan had a blast.

Leslie Harwell said...

Awesome pics guys!! ANd the video the other night was great too. I still cant believe how the camera man takes these pics. Crazy! Maybe for my 40th birthday I will get the courage up to go skydiving!