Birthday Wishes to My Studly Backflipper

Happy birthday to the love of my life.

You're the most fun, free spirit I know.

Yet you still buckle down and responsibly take care of the daily grind.

You're genuine and true to yourself - even when I want you to see things my way.

You're always learning, filling your mind with fascinating new thoughts and ideas.

Thanks for being born and sharing your life with me.

You have my heart.

Can You Do a Backflip?

My husband definitely can.

I've made mention of his backflipping skills...it's one of the extra perks Ryan Beck offers the world. It always amazes me how his 6'2" frame can stand there, and whazAM! voluntarily jump backwards in an air somersault.

But he does it. And loves it. In this summer's family reunion, his backflip was a much-applauded talent in the family Variety Show.

I don't mind at all when he backflips on the ground, but Ryan has a daredevil tendency to backflip off things, including Olympic high dives. He's done this multiple times, and has tried to explain the technique and resulting rush to me, but I still get nervous every time we're at Lava Hot Springs and he climbs those four stories to do this:

P.S. My wildly-talented uncle, Tim Pannell, took our bridal/groomal shots in the Salt Flats, one of which you see above. Give your eyes a feast - check out his site.