And thus the ride begins...

Have you been to Busch Gardens and enjoyed the ride Sheikra? One of the last times we went, we rode it about 8 times in a row. The ride is so much fun! It has the usual slow rise to the top of the hill with all the "clink-clinking" of the mechanisms that pull you to the top. This is when my hands usually start getting a little bit clammy, and I begin to question my sanity as to why I even entered the ride to begin with. Once you reach the top of the ride, there is a small half-circle that you ride around before you get to the "drop-off." It really is breath-taking to be able to look all around the park from that high in the air. As you near the end of the half-circle, the screams begin to arise from those riders who are anticipating the impending doom. When the car comes to a stop, you find yourself perched on what feels like the edge of a cliff in a 45 degree angle, and you continue dangling in that postition unable to see the track ahead of you for about 5-10 seconds before the car finally lets loose and you drop in a true 90 degree angle. Wow! What a rush!

Right now, I feel like I'm perched at the top of that "drop-off." This week begins the craziness of the holidays that will not end until after my oldest daughter's birthday at the beginning of January. My birthday is this Saturday, and, yes, I'm finally turning 20. What?? I can't pass for 20? Oh well... Birthdays are not as fun as they used to be, you know? Why does that number have to keep getting higher and higher? I don't feel my age. In fact, sometimes I still feel like I'm in high school or college. Not that I'm wishing to be back there, mind you. I love my life the way it is right now, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here is a picture from the surprise party my husband and dear friends cooked up last year. I couldn't believe they were able to surprise me! Notice all the toys and books my kids and Jason were carrying. I thought we were just going over for the afternoon to have a cookout and play games, so I wanted the kids to have stuff to play with. How funny! I think the kids were just as surprised as I was, especially when we saw my parents, my sister and brother-in-law and their 4 kids. They all kept the secret very well.


We will be heading out of town tomorrow afternoon to go visit my parents for the weekend. Family is the best therapy when you're feeling depressed about getting older. =) All I have to do is look at my brother-in-law, Richard, and I think, "Wow, I'm not so bad after all!" LOL!!! =D Just kidding, Richard!!! I love you!!! Please don't butcher my hair!!!

What do you have planned for the weekend? I hope you all have a great time, whether you're with friends and family or your just cleaning out the garage. =) See you when we get back!