Monday, September 21, 2009

Celebration

Since my birthday fell on a weekday instead of a weekend and Bryan is a full time student, we celebrated my 25th birthday early. Well, I actually "celebrate" the whole month because it's my birthday month, but we officially celebrated this weekend!

We woke up early Saturday morning and competed in the Great Place Amazing Race sprint triathalon at Belton Lake. Most military bases have free events for the soldiers and their families because the location of most military facilities is not all that great. Can't pass up a free triathalon. We both did really well in the swim (300m), got passed by all the road bikes (12 miles) during our mountain biking event, and felt our tight legs during the run (5k). We definately prefer these to the marathons!



Bryan and I before the race. Behind is the lake we swam in.

I wanted a picture of my tatoo.
During the biking event, you needed to make sure not to run into cows/bulls/longhorns. I took this picture on the car ride home. These things are awesome!
Thats me crossing the finish line. Yes Bryan beat me, but he also had a 3 minute head start. The boys all started first which I found unfair because I wanted to smoke Bryan:) After the race. Can't you tell, Bryan has a white face and I have a red face. We are not quite sure about our official scores- but Bryan's was somewhere around 1:15 and mine was 1:24. I ranked 3rd in my age group!
After the race, we ran home and cleaned up for my promotion ceremony! Yeah! More Money! My boss let me get promoted on Saturday so Bryan could be there and "pin" me which was very nice, since she had to come in to work over the weekend. I made a sweet dish of taco salad and Texas sheet cake for everyone working that day on my unit.

2nd LT Ahlborn

1st LT Ahlborn
Yes. We do have to kiss to celebrate the special event. I am actually just happy about the extra money more than anything else. One step closer to getting out, right?
Then Bryan and I took a much needed nap. Then Bryan surprised me with some professional pictures taken in the heart of Texas. I am soo excited about how these will turn out. I am wearing my cowboy boots and he is wearing his cowboy hat and we are on a ranch with real cows and horses and barns. I can't wait!
Then we opened birthday presents. Bryan did an excellent job this year. I got my first hand gun, some books to add to my book collection, a camera, and a University of Houston Optometry t-shirt. Thanks babe!

I Love You Bryan!

P.S. Thanks everybody else for your phone calls, gifts, cards, and dinner!

9 comments:

by Kimberlee St. Clair said...

First handgun? Does that mean you'll be starting a collection? It sounds like you had so much fun. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you...and maybe next time, I'll do the triathlon with you, and we will all get road bikes. I love and miss you!

Sue & Mike Koplin said...

Congratulations on your race, your birthday, your promotion and your handgun! Wow what an exciting weekend. Your gift should be there tomorrow...but then again it is Killeen, Texas! Love ya...Mom

Joan said...

I'm glad you had such an action packed birthday. WOW! Congrats on the triathlon. That is so cool. I would love to do one some day. I'll put it on my list :)
Happy Birthday!

Sue & Mike Koplin said...

Wow, you are having way too much fun--but that is the way it's supposed to be at your age. I especially like the pose with you holding your new pistol. You are now fully armed and dangerous. Heaven forbid there should ever be an intruder in you house. You also looked great in your promotion pics and now out ranked all of the low life 2nd Lts--way to go girl!!!! Finally, I have to agree that you hom looks great and Bryan did a terrific job. You gotta love that guy (speaking for you of course)!!!! Love you, Dad

Sue & Mike Koplin said...

Wow, you are having way too much fun--but that is the way it's supposed to be at your age. I especially like the pose with you holding your new pistol. You are now fully armed and dangerous. Heaven forbid there should ever be an intruder in you house. You also looked great in your promotion pics and now out ranked all of the low life 2nd Lts--way to go girl!!!! Finally, I have to agree that you hom looks great and Bryan did a terrific job. You gotta love that guy (speaking for you of course)!!!! Love you, Dad

Brent and Rachel Izu said...

Sorry we missed your bday--sounds like Bryan did a great job though. And congats on your promotion and 3rd place. That's great!

Rachel Murray said...

Happy Birthday!! It sounds like you just kept celebrating and celebrating. That's my kind of birthday!! Congrats on the promotions. Always love the pay raises.

Philip, Melissa, & Summer said...

How fun. I was thinking about you on and around your birthday. I totally forgot about your triathalon when I spoke to Brian tonight. I am glad that it went well for you both. Congrats on the promotion.

Erin said...

Looks like you had a very happy birthday!

Hey, I have a quick question for you. Jimmy is getting more serious about choosing a specialty and we are trying to find some good contacts for medical people within the army.

Do you guys know any resident families (orthopedics especially, but really, I'd love to hear from anybody) that might be willing to exchange a few e-mails with me?

Let me know if you do.

erin.shaha@gmail.com