{clap, clap}!!
About 6 months ago, I started reeeeeally thinking about what I wanted to do on my 40th birthday.
I settled on doing a hot air balloon ride, reasoning to myself that if I *haaaaad* to turn 40, I may as well start it out by defying a little gravity.
After two reschedules due to wind and heat, we finally had lift off on Friday.
I hope you all don't tire of balloon photos for the next bit. I've got plenty to share.
Here's a little video I took while we were up.
When we had gotten a couple thousand feet up in the air I noticed L-man was kind of pushing himself back into the balloon, and breathing really short, loud breaths. I took the video shortly afterwards, lovingly teasing him just a bit.
Thanks L-man for giving me the thumbs up to share the video, you're a rock star!
Wow! That's really brave... not sure I'd have the wherewithall to do it. Beautiful photos, especially the one with the mountains!
Posted by: Carmen | 30 May 2010 at 10:48 AM
Happy birthday Penny! What a way to bring in 40! I have a mental list of things I'd like to do before I'm 40 and I'm slowly ticking them off . . .I should write them down and get more organized about it ...but havne't given an inch of thought of how to ring in that special year...i've got time, but I'll have to put my thinking cap on..
Posted by: Donna | 30 May 2010 at 11:13 AM
Beautiful. And a wee bit scary, too! :)
Posted by: Raisin'Cookies | 30 May 2010 at 12:18 PM
AT first I thought that photo was a quilt... It would make a good one!
Posted by: Anne | 30 May 2010 at 12:32 PM
Ooooooooooooo! Brave girl! Glad you came back down to earth though.
Posted by: Arlene | 30 May 2010 at 12:34 PM
Happy Birthday. That is a dream of my husband--he'll be going alone. :o) Fanastic photos.
Posted by: Stephanie | 30 May 2010 at 12:42 PM
Wow! What a cool way to celebrate, but you're braver than I am :))) Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Marybeth | 30 May 2010 at 01:02 PM
Very cool - but don't think I'd be able to do it - have a big fear of heights!!
Posted by: Amber | 30 May 2010 at 02:31 PM
Penny, you rock! Way to go to L-man for making it so memorable. Happy Birthday! When I grow up, I want to be just like you. :-)
Posted by: Dayna | 30 May 2010 at 02:40 PM
Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: andi | 30 May 2010 at 02:57 PM
Hi hun....I did a balloon flight for my 40th! Loved it!
Isn't it an amazing quietness up among the clouds?
Karen x x x
Posted by: Karen | 30 May 2010 at 03:37 PM
Happy Birthday! What a fantastic way to spend the day. The scenery is beautiful. We celebrated my husband's 40th the same way. It was awesome!
Posted by: Tonya | 30 May 2010 at 03:40 PM
Happy Birthday you awesome, brave soul!! What a great way to celebrate your big day.
I turned 40 a few (eep!) years ago and I'm happy to report that things are A-OK so far. Don't really feel any different than I did at 38. I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are!
Posted by: Molly | 30 May 2010 at 04:17 PM
sounds like you are ticking one of the old Bucke List! LOL, what a great way to celebrate, thanks for sharing the beautiful pics!
Posted by: San | 30 May 2010 at 04:31 PM
Happy Birthday!! I just turned 39 a couple of weeks ago - good reminder to me to start thinking of something "fabulous" to do next year - after all, ya earned it right?
Posted by: Stacey | 30 May 2010 at 06:23 PM
That's so awesome! Happy Birthday! Looks like you started the 40's off right :)
Posted by: Stephanie | 30 May 2010 at 06:34 PM
Well GOOD FOR YOU!!! My friend just bought her mom a balloon ride for her 80th birthday, the weather has not been good enough for them to go up yet. She's really excited. I saw some quilt ideas in that video, lol! How fun is that! Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Allie | 30 May 2010 at 08:42 PM
HOW FUN!!! Great way to bring in your 40th! Happy Birthday :)
Posted by: Rene | 30 May 2010 at 10:04 PM
Happy birthday, brave girl!
Fabulous pictures...
; )
Posted by: Marit | 31 May 2010 at 12:59 AM
Happy Birthday! If this was for 40, I can't wait to see what 50 will bring! Your photos are fantastic.
Posted by: Anne | 31 May 2010 at 04:24 AM
Happy Birthday! I turn 40 in two weeks. I can't say that a hot air balloon was ever on my bucket list. I have ridden in the Goodyear Blimp though. :-)
One thing about L-man comes to mind: He's a good man. This ride falls under the category of the things we do for love.
Hope you keep the celebration going for a long time.
Posted by: Suzanne | 31 May 2010 at 06:51 AM
Happy birthday Penny! A hot air balloon ride is the coolest way to celebrate your day! I hope I'm brave enough to ride one on my 40th bday too!
Happiest birthday wishes!!
Posted by: Christy | 31 May 2010 at 08:07 AM
Oh How Fun!!! Happy Birthday Penny! I've had so much fun catching up on your blog from all the posts you did while I was gone. You've been SO busy! I love the cute little clutch you made and your gorgeous napkins too!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 31 May 2010 at 08:48 AM
Happy birthday!! Looks like you celebrated in style. I LOVE the photo of the hot air balloon shadow you took!
Posted by: britt | 31 May 2010 at 09:25 AM
Happy Birthday! Love that you celebrated up that high :)
Posted by: Amy - parkcitygirl | 31 May 2010 at 01:17 PM
clap clap
what a wonderful way to celebrate your 40´s
I´m still 38 but on the way to my 40´s.
great pictures also
[]
elisa (all the way down from Brasil)
Posted by: Elisa | 31 May 2010 at 08:03 PM
Happy Birthday!!! I am right behind you.
Posted by: tara | 31 May 2010 at 08:34 PM
Happy Birthday! I've always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon (that wasn't tethered). Surely, this will be a birthday you will always remember...if only for the fear written all over L-man's face :)
Posted by: erica | 01 June 2010 at 06:43 AM
oh, you're much braver than i. not sure my vertigo would let me up in a balloon.
happy birthday!! i hope you had a great day!
Posted by: mommymae | 01 June 2010 at 10:21 AM
What a view and a cool way to celebrate your birthday. But I wouldn't dare to take a ballon ride.
Posted by: Eva | 01 June 2010 at 10:23 AM
Very fun birthday gift to yourself! My husband and I did a hot air balloon ride on our honeymoon over Napa Valley. That was pretty cool too. But we had the most random group of people there....long and funny story, but let's just say that we'll never forget our ride!
Posted by: Angela | 04 June 2010 at 11:25 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET PENNY!!!!
What fun...and what a gorgeous view...you really live in an amazing part of this country!
I hope you are happy and well!!!
Hugs,
Sheree
Posted by: Sheree | 05 June 2010 at 06:17 AM
Oh HaP-hAp-HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!! Love that defy gravity thing!!! I think I'd be suckin' air also.
Posted by: Jody Blue | 05 June 2010 at 05:47 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Kate | 06 June 2010 at 02:53 PM
Happy Birthday Penny! WOW! Great photos and what fun!
Posted by: Marjorie | 09 June 2010 at 06:08 AM
defying gravity! that's genius. was it scary?
maybe in 3.5 years when i hit the 4.0. i'll take a hot air balloon ride.
Posted by: denise | 23 July 2010 at 12:12 PM
My 40th is right around the corner but I am not so sure I will be this bold. Happy Birthday super belated.... :) What a wonderful time and amazing memory to treasure and link with 40!
Posted by: Karen | 31 July 2010 at 07:11 PM
OK- I know this is an old post, but I have to say... the picture looking down on the river totally made my heart race & my hands sweat. I think I would've been in the bottom of the basket in the fetal position.!
Posted by: Amanda | 09 March 2011 at 03:38 PM