Silver Anniversary of the B1-Bomber

Two B1's center stage for the Air Show.

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Recently we went to Abilene to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the B1-Bomber at Dyess Air Force Base. This is the plane that Karl was a navigator on while he was in the Air Force. Karl took the day off Friday so that we could leave Thursday after he got off work and be there all day Friday and Saturday for the air show. We had a great time! Friday morning we got things together and headed out to the base. Karl had a great time reminiscing as he drove on base. It was also neat to see exactly where he worked while there. He was able to sit in on several briefings and hear about new ways the B1 is being used. Very neat! We were also able to go into the simulator for the B1. Karl Mikal and our nephew Luke were able to join us for this part. At first Karl Mikal was unsure, but then warmed up and sat in his daddy's lap and "flew" the plane. Luke was glad to sit in the pilot's chair and fly. He mostly enjoyed the take-off landing and flipping in the air. Unfortunately we were not able to take any pictures of the simulator (it is all top secret...in my opinion I am glad to know that our government still keeps some things secret!) I am so glad that we went. Karl was able to meet up with some old friends and catch up. It was fun! Below are some pics. Most of them are from the air show on Saturday. Enjoy!
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Karl and Karl Mikal next to a big model of the B1-Bomber.

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Luke next to another large model F-16. This one actually flies! We didn't see it fly, but heard it fire up. It was pretty impressive.

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This was the closest picture I could take of the flight simulator.
Cameras were not allowed.
. We were on base Friday when the Thunderbirds were practicing for the air show. While we waited the boys were boys and enjoyed throwing rocks. :)

. Suited up for the show. My sister sewed velcro onto the kids shirts so that they could wear some of Karl's old patches. It was fun for the kids to pick out their patches.
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I didn't plan for cold weather when I packed us up. So my kids are both wearing their pajamas under their clothes. Poor Heidi! I am sure she will not be happy with this picture on day. I told some people on the shuttle that I didn't plan for my daughter to be dressed from the 80's that day. Actually, I remember having some high tops that would have matched her outfit perfectly...same colors and even a palm tree on the side. The weather did warm up and we were able to take of the pajamas later.

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Heidi's patch went on her back. I am sure that she
would have just chewed on it the whole day otherwise. .

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Getting a closer look as one of the planes taxied down the run way..

Standing under a B1. Both of the kids were not as cooperative as usual. They were both under the weather for much of the trip..

Walking under the bomb bay of the B1.

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Taking a good look under the plane. He is so curious!

Neither of the kids liked the ear plugs we made them wear during the Thunderbird show. Karl Mikal really didn't like it, so Karl took him and hung out inside one of the planes and watched the show. Heidi didn't fuss too much, but then fell asleep. Maybe next time we can watch the show, get a few pictures, and not have fussy children. It did make me feel a little better to see a few other kids who didn't like the show either because of the noise.
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Sweet girl!

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I really like this picture.
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And this one too!

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Please remember to pray for all of our military who are currently serving and those who have served. So many of them are away from their families right now and may not even be sure when they will see family again. They do their jobs day by day and even have to do jobs commanded to them by people who were never in their shoes (yes, I have BIG opinions about that!). So please pray for our troops daily and say thank you to those who are serving and those who have served as well as their families.