Up until this past weekend I don't think the boys actually got that. I mean, they've seen pictures of the jet and we've talked about it and all, but they were too young to remember actually seeing Phil in the jet in real life. So when we had a chance last weekend to go out and see Daddy land in his jet, we jumped on it! Phil has been flying some with a squadron at a guard base in Fresno, CA and this week they are here practicing shooting missiles and guns out over the gulf. Last weekend they asked Phil to fly out to California on Friday (on an airliner) and fly a jet back here on Saturday. So he had only been gone one night when we went out there, but it was still very exciting! And probably one of the last chances we will ever have to see him land in the F-15.
Here we are waiting in the squadron to be taken out to the flightline. Boys are standing in front of an F-15 missile. Davis did not want to pose. And Reid was trying to stick his earplugs in. Lol.
Right as we got outside the four jets flew overhead in tight formation and we watched them peel away one by one and circle around for landing. Boys were SO excited!! Here they are watching Phil land. Look at J's face!!
We stayed in this van while they landed since the jets are so loud. I wasn't supposed to take pictures on the flight line, but I took a few of the boys while we were in the van.
There's Daddy landing in the background!
And then all the jets taxied right by us and we got to wave to everyone. But our favorite to wave to was Daddy, of course!
A nice man with a "secure" camera offered to take a few pictures for us, so these are from him standing outside the van we were in.
Group shot in front of the F-15 right after Phil got out. Reid wants to make sure Daddy doesn't leave again. He's hanging on to that g-suit! :)
Here's everyone running to Daddy when they got the word that they could go over to the jet. Phil is climbing out of the jet on the right side of the picture.
It was really fun, and really made me miss our old squadron. I'm so proud of Phil and the job that he does! I'm sure Davis and maybe Reid won't remember that day, but I know Jackson and Emmett will... it really made an impression on them. Emmett said, "This is SO AWESOME!" :)
Then we waited in the squadron bar while Phil debriefed and ate all of the sweet treats that were left over from a party the night before. And Mommy may have had a beverage or two. Haha!
All of the ceiling tiles in the bar were painted by the squadrons who had come to shoot missiles over the years. I found the one from our Alaska squadron and as soon as I saw it I got the most overwhelming homesick, almost weepy feeling! Reading all the call-signs brought back a flood of wonderful, funny memories. We were so lucky to be stationed there with those people! Can't believe it was so long ago!
What a great evening! I'm so glad the boys got to experience it! We love you, Phil!
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