skydiving

May 8 we went skydiving as family. J.T. and my father-in-law had been wanting to do it for a long time and J.T.'s graduation was the perfect time to celebrate at 13,500 ft. J.T. has jumped several times through the Air Force and wanted to share his passion with us. Although Troy, Sr. is 66 years old he has so much energy and zest for life. He will do anything! I love him for that.  We woke up early, ate breakfast, and then hopped on the road to Fayetteville, NC. It was about a two hour drive.  Aunt KC, who was visiting from LA stayed glued to Troy in the backseat :)  She is the best. I wasn't planning on going skydiving but KC insisted and made it a nice Mother's Day gift. Again. She is the best. Our thought was to go on separate planes so that Kay and Troy would have parents heaven forbid, something happen but it was the last run for the day at Raeford Parachute Center  so of course we said what the hell and went with the flow. We went through a 10min crash course, signed our lives away, and then put on our snazzy jumpsuits and head gear.  My fro made it quite difficult to get the straps buckled. ;)   J.T., KC, Troy, and I all jumped while Cyndi (Troy's wife) watched Troy on ground.  We paid the extra money for the video and I am so glad we did. I spent much of the time waiting around trying to keep KC's fears at a minimal. I was truly excited to experience it so any nerves I had were out of mind because I was trying to keep her happy and calm. It was a bumpy ride up but once it was time to scoot out of the plane I couldn't contain my smile. The free fall makes it hard to catch your breath. It was loud and my ears were in a bit of pain but I kept smiling because the videographer was in my face. All I wanted to do was catch my breath and let my face be ugly. What I really wanted to  do was give her the bird but I did a double thumbs up instead. Once the parachute was pulled it went from crazy loud to a peaceful quiet. I loved it. I was calm. The world was quiet and beautiful and serene. I even got to pull the toggles which control the direction that you drift/fall in. We spun in 360 circles which helped us get down faster. G Forces they call them. Whatever the name I am so happy they did not make me queasy. I didn't want it to end. I was so incredibly comfortable being up in the air like that. I can see why J.T. think zip lining is lame now. Once you jump out of a plane nothing much compares.  KC even wants to go again and she had some tears and choice words coming out of her eyes and mouth before she jumped. When my feet hit the ground the first thing I said was "let's go again" I really can't wait to go again. Next time higher and maybe over some great valleys in the Swiss Alps!

Cheers, LB

Aunt KC

Brother and Sister. Thick as thieves

3 generations