Daddy came home yesterday from a week in San Diego on time and as scheduled, which is really amazing since he flew a jet home. Usually the jets make it home at least a day later than anticipated due to maintenance issues. We have really good maintainers here, though. Anyway, the boys and I got to go out and meet Phil at the jet when he arrived. Jackson was beside himself. The phrases "Up high!", "Big jet!", and "Daddoo flies airplanes" were heard over and over, along with a lot of super-excited jibberish that I couldn't make out. :)
Here we are waiting in the truck with the SOF (supervisor of flying - the pilot who oversees all of the flying from the ground for that day) for Phil to land. At first I couldn't get Jackson to look away from the window to take a picture...
But then he did (just for a second, though)...
Here's Daddy taxiing in!
I was prepared for a big tantrum about having to wear the ear-protecting headphones, but both boys left them on with no issues.
I was also a bit unsure as to how Jackson would react to being right next to the jets, since they were really loud until the engines shut off. He's pretty timid about new experiences so I was afraid that he might not want to get out of the truck, thus ruining any chances for cute photos reuniting with Daddy. :) Luckily, he was focused on Daddy getting out of the jet and wasn't scared at all. Here he is with Bueno Bergeron waving to Daddy...
Running to Dad... (*tear!*). I've met Phil out at the jet several times, but it never gets old for me, even when he's only been gone for a week. It made it even more special this time since Jackson knew what was going on and was excited about it, too.
Here Jackson is telling Bueno that Daddy is "up high in the jet." Phil was leaning over getting his luggage out of the back.
I just have to take a second to brag on my hubby. He's been an IP (instructor pilot) here for less than 2 years and has received the "Favorite IP" award from the graduating student class two times! Each class picks a pilot that they feel has helped them the most, spent the most time mentoring them, etc... basically the one they all like the most. And that's been Phil twice! I'm just so proud that he cares so much about the student pilots and is able to do such a great job teaching them without spending crazy amounts of time at work. Then he's able to come home and be an amazing father and hubby to us! He's wonderful. :) Here's a picture of his first award... he got this in lieu of a plaque. Much better, I think!
