Alan's 30th!

This year was a big birthday for Alan. And when I say big, I mean he's really old now.

So we went to the store and bought all his favorite snacks and invited some friends over.

Then the next morning I surprised him with a hot air balloon ride over Park City. It was such an amazing experience, and I definitely want to do it again!

Alan holding the side of the balloon while they inflated it with 2 big fans.

(Have I mentioned yet how much I love my camera?)

I am still amazed by the size of the balloon. This is me looking into it while the crew tied the ropes together.

I seriously thought the flame was gonna burn Alan's eyebrows off. It came SO CLOSE to him.

Preparing for take out.. I only got nervous once. :o)

The Jordanelle Lake

There is a tradition with hot air balloons that once you land you open a bottle of champagne. It started back when they first started flying and would land in the farmer's fields. They would offer the farmer a bottle of wine as a peace offering and to apologize for landing on their property. The wine eventually turned to champagne because it's a celebratory drink, and the orange juice is to spice it up a little.

Then they also give you a certificate for your first flight with a little poem:

A Balloonist's Prayer

The Winds have welcomed you with softeness.

The Sun has blessed you with his warm hands.

You have flown to high and so well,

that God has joined you in your laughter,

and He has set you gently back again

into the loving arms of Mother Earth.

I am blessed to have this amazing man in my life. Not only is he my best friend, but he's my lover, husband, and father to my children. Thank you for being my everything Alan.