Clark and the kids picked us up in their car and we headed out to the base before 10:00 am. Upon driving up to the entrance of the base, we were easily ushered in without any means of security because of a special pass given to us. We were rather surprised we didn't even have to show any ID. We slowly drove through the base and headed toward the designated parking area to check in for this special pass and to be shuttled to the air strip. We didn't find out until later that other viewers without the special passes parked much further away and were brought in on buses. When checking in, we were told to put on these paper bracelets with green stars on them. They looked like a general's stars. When we arrived at the gate to the air strip, guards asked us for our military IDs and then, upon noticing our starred bracelets, said, "Oh...that's okay...go right in." We don't know what the bracelets meant, but they got us in everywhere and free food. It was really quite fun. Guess I'll have to ask "T" what it all means. It's probably nothing...just probably some particular guest pass.
After checking in, we all boarded a people mover buss and headed for the base. You can see below, we were ready to rock and roll. It was raining as we arrived on base, so...umbrellas in hand, we were off!
After entering the gates, we found our way to the special tent where we placed our belongings on a table and waited for the rain to slow before heading out to view some antique and other sample planes lined up along the tarmac. Everything was sooooooo wet. Jimmy didn't enter the planes with us...but rather held umbrellas and watched as Clark and I climbed aboard and hauled kids in and out, taking pictures as they oooood and awwwwwd.
Our Umbrella Stand
On the left was the navigators training stationsbut they didn't notice for looking out the windows!
I couldn't keep up with the little guys!Plus, I wanted to talk to the cute navigators telling us about the plane!
And I do mean cute!
He offered me a seat in his chair! Ooo lala!
This is the plain we just departed from where the navigators train.Jimmy and the kids are checking the nose and wheels.
This small little jet could hold only one pilot
The steps were quite steep and Huston held tight while checking out the plane
Pretty cool!
Man! This little girl is HEAVY!
Huston loved the Japanese planes because they hada big red dot!
Talk about GUNS!
Check out the BULLETS on this baby!However, this plane didn't look comfortable to ride in. No cushioned seats, bounced around on metal with machine gun firing...not my cup of tea but do appreciate those service men who were flying in them!
Huston checking out the small area under the plane where, I believe,a man (or two) sat and shot those two guns sticking out of that ball. It sure was a small area. Even Huston would have been uncomfortable. Very claustrophobic!
Black Beauty!
Huston couldn't WAIT to go see this plane. He saw the black and HAD to go see it. However, when he was to go UP...another story.
Ems is fascinated but Huston is a little leery of the height
A princess loves to look down on her subjects no matter where she is!
Check out that BOMB Ems!
An even BIGGER BOMB, Ems!
What would an air show be without cotton candy! Thanks Lovey!
Back in the people mover headed to the car...buckle up for safety little Ems!
In the car, headed home...
"Lovey, I've had enough of this dumb paper bracelet with the stars!"
We really didn't see but one plane fly over since the weather was so bad. But we did have a good time and the kids thought it was great. I hope we get another chance to see another show. I loved seeing the base and would love seeing a show with the formations and such. So Huston, let's get on Jim to keep us on the list for next time, DEAL?
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