Maddie ended up staying home from the Airshow so I took Ava instead. Even though the temperature got up to eleventy-billion degrees and we left early, we had so much fun.
What follows are a ton of pictures.
The headlining act: The Patriots. I had to hurry away after this picture since they were waiting for me to lead them through a practice run. Ha, ha, I wish.
I don't remember if this was the F-16 or F-15 or F-something else but it was impressive and so gorgeous.
Look at those lines...swoon.
Ava wasn't even as tall as the landing gear.
I think I was wondering how I could get up there. And if anyone would notice if it was missing for a few minutes or hours or days.
The amazing Hawkeye. The round disc is a radar.
They asked Ava to get it started. She had a bit of trouble.
The largest helicopter in the US Military, the Super Stallion.
We got to go inside.
Cute smiley face. I hope that isn't blood on its head.
I think Ava was taking a picture of the pilots in their cute jumpsuits. You know that's right. Go Ava.
In the cockpit of the Super Stallion. I was the pilot of course. I may or may not have made flying sounds and may or may not have tried to shoot down a few enemies. Of course I didn't, that would be a little immature. *clears throat*
I got to touch both the cyclic and the collective. Yay!
I don't know what this plane was but it was nice looking. I do know it was a Navy plane.
Again, me figuring out how to get in and take it for a spin around the pattern. No one would even notice.
Maybe if I pull that ribbon it would do something.
The little Skycatcher that I flew in last Tuesday. It was so clean and shiny. Last time I saw it there were bug guts everywhere. I can't get over how cute the nose of that plane is. I just want to squeeze it. *squeeeeeze*
The really neat car with the interior like a F-16? I think? I don't remember. It looked fast.
The closest I've been to the Tower. They were right behind us and had really good seats. :)
Opening act: four planes and two jumpers. The airplanes circled the jumpers the whole time.
One almost looked like he was going to land on top of us.
The aerobatic acts were spectacular.
We didn't get any pictures of the F-18 Super Hornet but of course it was so amazing. I would love to ride in one. I think.
It was so fun touring the booths and hearing how excited the pilots were to talk about their aircraft or flying. And boy would they talk. And pretty soon you were surrounded by pilots or wannabe pilots all talking about the latest gadgets on their airplanes. I loved it.
Ava and I even ended up being photographed by The Oregonian newspaper.
http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2011/08/oregon_international_air_show_19.html
I wish we could have stayed longer but when your sandals start melting on the runway, you know it's too hot. I will definately be back next year though.
