
This year we celebrated our anniversary a little differently. Our initial plan was to travel, but we just couldn’t seem to make it work. It was on to Plan B. We decided (on a car ride, I might add), that each person could pick one activity, which turned out to be one of our finest moments yet. Our two options turned this past weekend into quite the celebration.
On Friday, Ben and I happy-houred, as you do if you live in DC. On Saturday morning we brunched, again as any good DC resident does, at Local 16 with Eric and Chris and it was just perfect. Then, it was on to Ben’s choice: Dave Matthews Band concert. After 2 years of marriage and 5 years of dating, one would think we would have enjoyed a concert together. But, alas, this was our first and it was perfect. We picnicked and danced and all was well.
Dave sure knows how to put on a show, and I loved his little, “Thank you, thank you very much,” after every song.
Ben, excellent choice my dear.
Sunday morning we were off to church before heading on our way to brunch at Bon Vivant Cafe.
Then, it was my turn. What was my activity? Skydiving :) On our way we listened to just about every sky diving song. There are far more than you would think. You’ve got “Live Like You Were Dying”, “I Believe I Can Fly”, “Free Falling”, and so many more. Once we arrived there were a few groups ahead of us. At first, I was a little bummed because I was so ready to go. Little did I know, we hit the jack pot. Once they booked our flight, we noticed that the other jumpers joining us were named “Fun Jumpers”. AKA we got to go with the cool kids who have hundreds or thousands of jumps under their belt and do cool tricks. On top of that, we flew a couple thousand feet higher for them meaning longer free fall for us. Like I said, jackpot. I also enjoyed watching them practice their group moves, hearing how they got into sky diving, and having them try to psych us out.
Ready as I’ll ever be.
Probably wishing we hadn’t agreed to this whole scenario ;)
Practicing their little maneuver!
Then, it was game time. We loaded into the plane and strapped ourselves to our instructors. Up and up we went and the adrenaline was rushing. I for one loved being part of the “Fun Jumpers”. They were joking around the ride up and getting pumped up for their jump. The doors opened, I said a few, “oh my gosh’s”, watched our new friends literally run and jump out the plane as they vanished before my eyes. Then, Ben inched forward and POOF he was gone. Bai, Ben. Last but not least, it was my turn. Hard to explain the feeling of your legs hanging out of the plane 13,000 feet in the air. I heard my instructor yell “arch!” and before I knew it I was freefalling, spinning, and watching the clouds around me. I swear I was freefalling for far longer than a minute. Talk about a rush of adrenaline!
I loved seeing Ben float down below me!
Once my parachute opened up, we decided to have a little more fun. He gave me the handles to help control the parachute and I quickly learned if you yank down hard on one side you’ll go for quite the spiral down. It was as if I was on a fair ride spinning out of control. As we floated around I also learned a fun little game my instructor plays when he jumps with friends. They take a Mr. Potato Head up with them, jump, throw out all the pieces, and scramble (AS THEY ARE FREE FALLING) to get the pieces back in Mr. Potato Head. Count me in!
Ben landed safe and sound and I wasn’t too far behind him.
Do I want to go again? Absolutely! ;)
We have a great thing going with these anniversary celebrations and I can’t wait to see what we choose next year! Thanks for jumping out of a plane with me and enjoying a little Dave Matthews Band, love!
Carrie, I always enjoy reading about what is happening in your lives. Think of you every time I look at the giraffe picture your mom gave us from your safari trip! Always remember to keep God first and Ben second and you two will have many more exciting celebrations. Sharron