Brad flies solo! [But only in a plane, phew!]

May 6, 2011 - It happened

Brad flew solo!

The first step was to fly with the Instructor Pilot (IP) and ensure that he had what it takes to fly. Pshhh! Not even a question!

Then, the IP jumped out Brad began his solo checklist. [Something about a harness, a shoulder strap, an engine working properly.. No matter how many times I hear it, I don't remember]

See his IP standing out there. He just jumped out!

And he's off..

[Insert Dani hyperventilating here!]

Where in the sky is Bradley Breedlove?

(only to be sung to the "Where in the world is Carmen SanDiego tune, thank you!)

Randolph, Drew (my totally awesome flight line escort) Froggie and Owei waiting for Brad.

All grin. He DID IT!

Drew has already taken a hold of him! No getting away.

HERO SHOT!

Ain't going no where with 5 grown men and miss Dana around..

Taking off all the gear to ensure nothing gets wet that's not supposed to.

I would be battling to not be thrown in that water, too. ICK!

1..2..3..

YAY!

Soaking wet, but still handsome. Love him!

All in all it was a successful flight. I know he is proud of himself and I am proud of him, too.

But, alas, the journey is not over - NOT EVEN CLOSE! Its still arduous and painful, fun and exciting, consuming - but great. We charge forward to his next solo, area solo, probably next week. Score!

With love,

Red, White and Windy?

So, we bought a flag...

and after a few good twists..

and a few "Dani, can you pick up the screw I just dropped"

We have American PRIDE! (:

I "helped"..

TA DA!

Now all we need to do is have a personal butler to put it up in the calm weather and take it down in the wind.

After much thought, the whole "OKKKKKLLLLAAAAHHHHHOOOOMMMMAAA where the winds come sweeping down the plains," doesn't really warrant the weather for a flag.

Oh well, we love it. That's what matters. (:

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, everyone!!

Brad and I had a looonnnnggg week and a lovely weekend!

The week seemed to drag on and, of course, the weekend flew by.

We had the opportunity to spend every evening this weekend with the lovely Belka's! They are truly wonderful and we REALLY enjoy our time with them.

Friday night we hung out at Matt Lohmeir's house, met his wonderful fiancee, listened to the guys make silly prank calls and just enjoyed the beautiful Enid weather. People keep telling us to enjoy the weather lately because soon it is going to get HOT and HUMID!

Saturday we treated ourselves to breakfast at a local hotspot, Jimmy's egg then headed to the Home and Garden show. It was hoppin'! It was more or less a farmers market with homemade goods instead of home and garden stuff. I had a great time looking at all the purses and jewelry and such. We ended up getting suckered into a jewelry cleaner and some delicious blackberry drink. We had fun just spending time together and people watching. Who knew Enid could have such a fun shindig on the weekends. About 2 o'clock we headed to the base and Brad and his class painted the base color to the solo tank. [[see below for details on the solo tank]].

Painting the base black

We're painting the tank black.. we're painting the tank black..

Brad proving that you can use a hose to siphon water from the tank.

"See guys!"

Solo tank - It's a tradition that after your solo flight you try and make it back to your squadron without being captured by your classmates and getting thrown in the tank. If you make it, you get a case of beer of your choice. If you get caught you get thrown into the tank. I can't wait to see Brad sopping wet after his solo flight. Sorry babe - I will get the flight a case of beer to make sure it goes down. (:

After the painting, we walked the flight line for a while, cautiously of course. Then we headed to the Belka's for an afternoon visit. We had a great time sitting around, laughing and then we headed out to an awesome Korean restaurant - a true Enid gem! The food was delicious, but the company was better.

After dinner we did some shopping, stopped by Nick's BBQ and then came home. Jon came over and played video games with Brad and I did some scrapbooking.

Today we had a quick breakfast and headed to church. After church we came home and Brad studied while I cooked. The Belka's invited us over for a FABULOUS Easter feast. We feasted on ham, mashed potatoes, homemade creamed corn, green bean casserole, salad, biscuits. It was heavenly! Again, the food was awesome, but the company was better!

Now we are hanging out at home, Brad studying and me scrapbooking and watching tv.

Have you all seen Fringe?

We are watching it now and Brad is seriously intrigued. It's a VERY interesting television show. It makes you go "hmmmmmmm"....

Anyway, I know I said this post would be about the military life, but I changed my mind. That will come this week.

With love,