So what fun activity did Shayne plan for this year's birthday? Paintball was the choice. And this was a first for me - I went hesitantly but willingly. At the place, it was definitely "testosterone" driven - only 5 girls in the midst of 80 others standing around waiting for their chance on the "field." (and three of them were in our group) Hunter was soooo excited to do this and was having a great time talking up about how much fun this was going to be with his cousins. Doug, (Shayne's cousin) offered Hunter $5 to walk out at the start of the game and be a free for all (jokingly) and Hunter thought that would be easy and awesome. Luckily he didn't do it, we convinced him it wasn't a good idea.
Before I even try to explain how this went down, I need to make a disclaimer and acknowledge all terminology and descriptions are going to be wrong. I'm ok with that.
I positioned myself behind a big "obstacle" and was having fun shooting my gun across this warehouse sized arena. Then I felt a "PANG" of pain on my leg. I had gotten shot on the one spot that didn't have covering (I was wearing old clothing that I thought would be ruined... hence the capri's). I thought to myself - this is more painful than expected... when I moved behind the base, which you have to do after every hit, I took a peek at my leg - it had already started to welt and BLEED! It wasn't cut - it was just the sheer force pushing blood out around the edges of the welt. It hurt. We tried to take a pic of it but, for those who saw it you can agree, the pic doesn't do it justice. It looked like it hurt. So, I was the tough wife.
When the round ended - we collected ourselves back in the waiting area and Hunter was UPSET and hurt. He was not a fan of Paintball and had no intention of going back into that arena again. We had enough ammo to do another round and so I went in again (despite my bleeding leg). Cherae and I traded pants in the ladies room so I could have full coverage on my legs and she had to go home, so I was a little better off the 2nd time around. I got hit on my arm and somewhere else I can't remember, the leg hurt the most. I know, I'm pathetic to complain but the website says that getting hit by a paintball is not painful. I beg to differ. I'm grateful I tried it -and I'm glad that the big boys had a lot of fun and I'm grateful to be done with it.
One of Hunter's bruises - a couple days later...
Before we went to Paintball, I "ASSEMBLED" Shayne's best cake EVER! He LOVES bear-claws and he made a comment a few months ago about how Cakes are over-rated and we should just eat bear-claws. So, his loving wife made him this "Bear-claw" cake. Easiest cake ever (ha, ha) and I threw every candle we owned on it (I forgot to buy candles) and we almost had enough to match his age, almost.
What I love about Shayne -
He's fun - LOTS of fun!
He's funny (and thank goodness for that! I'm boring!)
He's the coupon-king
It's so easy to just be with him - I miss him when life is crazy with our four kids and no time for ourselves. Thank goodness when I do have those little moments we still love to just be together
He's my best friend
He works so hard to take good care of our family
He gets me to try new things such as mtn biking and snow skiing - he keeps me young and adventurous
He's genuine - with everyone.
He's the love of my life - and I can't imagine not having him by my side - EVER
I love you Shayne!! I hope this year brings even more fun times and great memories than the last!
