26 years...

Yesterday I turned the big 26. At first I have to say the idea of being 26 years old was something I wasn't looking forward to by any means, but then I started thinking. This is going to be one of the best years of my life. I'm marrying the sweetest most beautiful woman on the planet in two months, we'll probably start trying to start our family within the next year, which are two things I couldn't be more excited about! And it doesn't hurt that I don't feel a day older than 16. I have so much to be thankful for and have lived some of the best 26 years that anyone could ever ask for. Looking back at all that I've done, and all that I've been able to be a part of thanks to my absolutely incredible family. There's not a better set of parents out there and I am who I am mostly because of you! You've instilled so much in me that I can't wait to pass down to my own children and know if I can be even half as good at being parents as you were our kids will turn out phenominal. I can't wait to show them the world like you've done with me. I've got an awesome older brother who's always been there for me and continues to push me to my limits to pursue my dreams. He believes in me so much, but probably doesn't realise how much that means to me. And on the flip side I'm marrying into a family that's identical in every way. My in-laws love me like their own and treat me like I've always been a part of the family and that's such a good feeling. Thinking about all that, my best years are yet to come. Plus 30's the new 20 right?

Midnight, my birthday morning we headed over to Campus Corner with some good friends to celebrate over lots of drinks. That kept Amanda and I in bed until the afternoon which was a perfect way to start the big day off. I'm all about naps! We spent the mid day watching movies, then headed to Charleston's for one of our favorite monthly meals. Filet mignon, garlic mashed potatoes, ceasar salad, and a big glass of Kendal Jackson.

Then we headed to Atomic Lotus for my birthday present. PARENTAL WARNING! Amanda and I have always wanted to do this, but didn't want to just get any old thing. We wanted something that meant a lot to the both of us, and well, this couldn't be more perect.

IX V MMVIII (September 5th, 2008) a day we'll never forget, one of the happiest days of our lives.

I got in the chair first..."Does it hurt??"



I didn't think so...





Love it!



Your turn honey. How's it look?



We put the stencil on three times before settling on making it permanent.



Well...it may hurt a little.



Love it! My wide angle makes it look a little distorted. It's straight as an arrow!



Amanda's is way cute when she has her hair in a poney tail. After getting branded we headed up to Edmond to watch our little brother play in the little league state finals. They were down one in the last inning and rallied 4 runs in the top to go up two. They took the field on defense and their pitcher took over. They play today to try and make it to the finals. I'm out the door to go watch!

The night ended with an amazing surprise. Amanda got me an oreo ice cream cake from the best ice cream parlor around, Maggie Moos. Thanks for a great birthday everyone!! 26 isn't bad after all.