An Amazing Day!

Part One
A couple of weeks ago one of our friends called to tell Phil that a group of guys were getting together so go paintballing on the 20th. I happened to be standing right by Phil when they were talking and kinda perked up when he mentioned paintballing. Being the nice husband that he is he asked me if I wanted to go. Ummm, hmmm, let me think about that. . . that's a tough one, yes of corse I wanted to go. So we made plans to be able to go that day. We went to a place about 20 minutes from here and it was a great day. It was snowing and above zero. Lots of fluffy snow to fall into and 27 people in all. Only 4 women were brave enough to go. Being the woman that I am. . . I had to take my camera to capture the day.

Me, Melissa, Courtney and Kris. . . all ready for action.

A Charlie Angels pose. Silly me thought I would actually need a hat. But after round one. . . it was off. . . and I left it there, dang, hopefully I can get it back. It is the only hat that covers my ears because I have such a BIG head.

Some of the guys getting ready for the fun.

Phil and two of the more serious competitors. They were very nice and gave me some great tips. All of us were faced with the the challenge of not being able to see. Due to the cold the goggles kept fogging up. The first round I got totally nailed because I couldn't see a thing.

After round one, assessing damage, warming up, cleaning goggles and laughing about what had just happened. Then planning one how to do things better the next time.

Shaun, the instigator of the event. Apparently if you put duct tape on your nose it would help with the fogging up problem, so everyone looked like they had silver beaks. It didn't help me at all!

After two round of getting totally wiped out I finally figured things out and lasted most of the next 4-5 games. Leaving my chin strap unbuckled helped my goggles not fog up so much. It's amazing how much better you can do when you can see!

Oh, this is me, pretty hard to tell under all the gear. I had on 5 shirts. Three of them were big bulky sweat shirts (looks like I weigh like 20 lbs more than I do!)

Phil and I after about 4 rounds. We were wet and had some paint on us, but boy were we having fun. In one round there were 6 guys holding down two forts. Well when they said there was one minute left I just ran for it. . . got shot like 10 times . . . but it was better than just sitting there playing it safe! One round was the teenagers against all the grown-ups. They were protecting the same two forts. We totally annihilated them! It was pretty funny.
Cute Melissa and Steve. What a fun father/daughter activity!

This is what the paint looks like when it explodes in your hair. I'm just sad I wasn't the one to shoot DeVaughn. . . just kidding. I actually got hit in the head the last round and it didn't explode and man did it hurt. I still have a goose egg and a tender spot on my head. All in all it was an awesome event. . . one I want to do again!

Parents and kids come together to shoot at each other. Our fun friends the Stevens family. We had a blast.

Part Two

After rushing home, shoveling about a foot of snow, throwing dinner at the kids, showering, etc. Phil and I left for birthday celebration #4. Phil set up a night where a lot of our friends could get together for dinner. Due to the bad weather several friends weren't able to make it, but there were about 6 couples there and we had a great time (at least I did anyway). It was just nice to take time out and talk and relax.

This is Phil and I all ready to leave. Just thought this would be a funny picture in contrast to the above one of us . . . taken about 4 hours prior to this one.

It was at dinner that Phil FINALLY gave me my birthday present. Yes, it was late. . . but in true Phil fashion this project took longer than he anticipated. I knew he was up to something and that most of my friends seemed to know about it. I didn't ask any questions because it is so hard for him to surprise me. So he gave me this scrapbook that he has been working VERY hard on. In it there are letters from many friends and family. Memories, funny stories, poems, compliments, etc. It was an amazing gift. One that I will treasure forever. I laughed and cried as I read the letters. It was also very humbling to read. . . people said the nicest things, I'm so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I really have amazing friends and an amazing husband. He put so much time into this. I love it. It was worth the wait.

I had such a great day. Turning 40 has been awesome. Maybe because we keep celebrating it. Why not have a birthday month?