Track Select

Last Friday Mike's class had their "Track Select." That is when they officially end with the T-6 Texan II and everyone other than guard and reserve students find out if they'll be in the T-1, T-38 or Helicopters. Guard and reserve pilots already know what they're flying, but it's still exciting to see what track classmates will be on.

Before the ceremony we had a class breakfast. The kids played in the ejection seat and Steven kept wishing the ejection handle would actually do something.

Each pilot stands up and they "roast" him by poking fun of a quirk or something they during during phase I/II. Mike's roast had to do with his age, since we're almost ten years older than most of the other students. On the next screen is the airplane, which for us is the T-1. Mike's class performed really well, so they had quite a few guys get the T-38 and two helicopters.

 If you're wondering what "How am I going to explain this to my wife and kids" is referencing, I'll tell you. Each class designs its own patch and most of the class wanted to go with a pin up girl on it but Mike was very vocal against it. It made him unpopular with some guys for a while but then they met our kids and realized Mike is awesome and it's now just a joke. Here is their class patch:

A cute random picture of Adam

Next we got to go to the flight line and take pictures with the aircraft. Here are some pictures with the T-6. Steven wanted to act like a cool pilot so he couldn't smile. 

Goofy faces

Here is the T-1. Mike has a month of academics learning the system before he starts flying it. 

Here are some of his classmates...

Here are some pictures of Sarah on the T-38. This is the plane that feeds into the fighters and bombers. 

After that we got to fly in one of the simulators. The kids did well and Sarah landed the airplane safely her first try. I crashed...twice! In my defense, Mike made me steer and do the throttle and I'm sure Sarah received preferential treatment. ;) It was a lot of fun and made me glad he's the pilot and not me. 

We also got to go into the control tower and see what traffic controllers do on a smaller scale. Columbus Air Force Base is the Air Forces busiest base in terms of....

It's exciting to have another phase finished. We found out last week that after he graduates in May he starts his training early June. We are enjoying our time here, but look forward to seeing our friends in Utah again soon. 

Career Day

Last weekend was Career Day on base. They had pilots from just about every aircraft the Air Force has (I think) come and talk to the students about their planes and what life is like flying that particular aircraft. A lot of the guys here have no idea what they're going to fly, or even what they want to fly, so it's helpful to hear it from pilots that have experience.

After the brief we went to look at a few of the airplanes they flew in. Here is a list of them: KC 135 (the coolest one there of course), C-130, C-21, B-1 Bomber, F-16, F-15, F-22, A-10, U-28, RC-135, UH 1 (helicopter).

C-130

Cockpit of the C 130

The KC 135 Stratotanker

B-1

UH-1

F-22 Raptor- This plane was really awesome! After the show I was driving towards the commissary (grocery store) and saw it take off. I was the COOLEST thing I have ever seen an airplane do. You wouldn't think an airplane ascending would be that neat, but it shot up like a rocket and was so fast. When I pulled into the commissary all the ppl in the parking lot were watching it climb until it disappeared. Very neat!

Here are Mike, Alex and Adam walking to the A-10. This airplane is the one everyone wants because it's A for Awesome. (seriously, they all love it)

 Steven displayed an impressive amount of self control in not touching the missiles. (because he asked and really wanted to)

Although it would be fun to travel around the world to different assignments I'm thankful that we know what Mike is flying and where. Mike does really well and tries his best, but it's nice not having him competing for a fighter spot. We're just happy to be here. Mike is getting paid to do something he'd do for free. (don't tell the Air Force) ;)

The Pumpkin Patch

It's Fall! I love fall! I love the cooler temperature! I love the leaves changing! I love wearing cardigans! I LOVE candy corn! I love pumpkins! I love Halloween! I pretty much love everything about fall. Last week our kids finally talked me into putting up our fall/Halloween decorations and today we added to the collection with a visit to Country Pumpkin in Caledonia.  It was the best organized and funnest pumpkin patch we had ever visited.

We picked out a couple normal sized pumpkins and then decided we should get a one of the "Big Max" pumpkins. I planted some "Big Max" pumpkins this year but only one partially grew before I managed to kill them with the help of pesky aphids. Here is our one beloved pumpkin that could have weighed up to 100 lbs.

Here are the big guys and the one the kids finally decided on. Who knew picking a giant pumpkin could be so much work. :) (my phone deleted/lost the picture so I have to find it)


They had a lot of other activities for kids to enjoy. Most were free and some cost a couple dollars. It was a great place to let the kids run wild.

They also had horse rides and each of the kids took turns riding the various horses they had. The little horse was adorable and Adam loved it.

Welcome fall, I've missed you!