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Sunday, September 19, 2010

a tale of three skydivers

 

It’s official: we did it.

This past Wednesday, September 15th, we jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet and thankfully, had the time of our lives and lived to see another day =)

We = my mom, Nick, and me.

You may remember our last attempt.

This time the skies were clear and the winds, nice and breezy.

Ready for a bazillion photos and far too much narration?

 

 

This is the only picture you’ll see of my my dad in this store. My straight-laced father came along only to watch and support us by videoing our stupidity. He is not a man that can be talked into daredevil stunts and sat perfectly content with his two feet on the ground.

{It’s perfectly normal to mimic your spouse after 36 years of marriage… right?}

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All suited up!

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Da planes! Da planes!

{Can you spy with your little eye a tiny red sports car?}

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When you’re jumping out of a plane and hoping to avoid becoming a small splat on the earth’s surface, your gear consists of straps upon straps of safety gear that are all kinds of uncomfortable.

None of it is kind to your little girl parts or little boy parts, whichever you happen to be sporting that day. Though with all of it’s annoyances, it does the job of which I am T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L for!

The next 2 awkward photos don’t even do the feeling of wearing this get-up justice, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy a little laugh at our expense:

Nick’s predicament courtesy of my paparazzi skills…

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And thanks to my mom, a nice shot of me “adjusting” for the 10,385th time on the way to the plane.

Just lovely.

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There were only two tandem instructors there that day, so mom had to wait for us to get back for her turn. Up we went…

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…and down we came!!

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I jumped first:

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Then Nick.

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We met at the bottom with a sweet, oh-so-glad-to-be-alive, kiss.

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And then it was mom’s turn – and didn’t she look like the professionals with her wind suit?!

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Mom and her tandem instructor went up with four other skydivers, seen here practicing their air acrobatics before going up:

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It’s funny to see so many people falling from the sky!

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Mom was all smiles when she landed and even gave us a big thumbs up:

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A little background for you: we jumped at 10,000 feet and pulled the rip-cord to send our parachutes flying at 5,500 feet. This resulted in a nice cold freefall for about 30 seconds, with the entire jump from plane to ground totaling around 5 minutes. It’s about 30 degrees colder at 10,000 feet and it’s amazing to feel the gradual temperature change as you’re falling to earth!

There was absolutely none of the queasy stomach feeling you have compared with riding a roller coaster – just a nice smooth freefall and then a gentle slow float to the ground after the parachute is out. It really was a great experience I would recommend to anyone. I have to say that none of us were nervous in the least and were just so READY to jump from all the excitement!

Thanks for all the prayers and crossed fingers – we finally, successfully, skydived and had a BLAST!

 

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26 comments:

  1. Love it! That looks like so much fun and kudos to yall for having the guts to do it :)

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  2. WOW I'm so impressed!! I bet that was the biggest adrenaline rush!! Something you and your husband will never forget :)

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  3. Well, you're much braver than I'll ever be! Glad to hear you were finally able to do it!

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  4. Congrats!!!! That's an amazing accomplishment!

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  5. THe only thing that would have made this any cooler is if you would ahve jumped with your STACHE!

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  6. That looks like so much fun! Glad to see everyone landed in one piece. :-)

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  7. I would have stayed in, or someone would have pushed me out. Then I would have died. Never even been in a plane let alone jumped out of one!! Glad you all lived!

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  8. Very cool!!!! and a lovely post to go along with it. My husband used to skydive often and began getting his certification before starting grad school. Thankfully that was a hobby that was long gone before we met. WHEW!!!!!!!!

    Just in case I haven't said it a million times...........stop working so much and post more!!

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  9. glad ya'll had so much fun! your parents are adorable, sitting the exact same way :)

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  10. Oh my gosh! You are so brave. I can't believe your mom did it too. Very cool!

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  11. Where did you go!? I've wanted to go for awhile but haven't done to much research... I know there's a place in Indiana but is there a place in lexington or did you have to travel a bit? Anyways, awesome pictures and that looks so much fun! Second times a charm...right?

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  12. I'm so glad you lived to tell about it! I've heard the rush is amazing but I think that's just one rush I'm never going to feel. It was fun watching you though - great pictures!

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  13. that is sooooooo awesome! I have always wanted to do that!

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  14. That looks like so much fun, although I'm pretty sure I'd never be able to bring myself to do it! Glad you finally got to go!

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  15. LOVED the "adjustment" picture. I almost snarfed my drink when I saw it. Yay for new adventures!

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  16. Boy, as fun as all that looks, I think the synchronized shot of your mom & dad is the best one!

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  17. You are so brave! I don't think I could ever do that! :) Glad you had a good time.

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  18. I am so impressed by y'all! Looks like a great time :)

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  19. I am so impressed by you! It looks like a great time and I think it's so fun that your mom joined in on the adventure :)

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  20. So cool!! Thanks for sharing the pictures!! Looks like a blast!

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  21. That looks like so much fun!!
    I've always wanted to sky dive!
    even though it looks a little uncomfortable, I still want to try it!
    I'm glad you had fun! :)

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  22. so fun!! my hubby and i have been three times and we LOVE it! we haven't been in a while and now you've got me in the mood to go again!

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  23. awesome! I cannot believe your mom did also..what a great family experience!

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  24. I am a new reader! What a cute blog!!
    Skydiving is one of my goals :)

    To take me was one of my 18th birthday presents from my parents, now 3 years later I haven't found the time or a partner willing to be a daredevil with me. Soon though!!

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I just shared my thoughts, I'd love to hear you share yours! {Besides, I'm tired of listening to the voices in my head.} I kid, I kid... ;)