View of the Grand Canyon

From a Chinook:

Graduation Day

Wings

I've changed my header and blog title -- it's fitting because we are starting yet another chapter of our lives.

Win graduated on Thursday. His parents and my parents arrived on Wednesday afternoon. The kids were beyond excited. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the backyard, then had grilled chicken, salad, pasta salad and strawberries for dinner.

The graduation ceremony was wonderful. It was in the Aviation Museum, and thankfully not very long. Both kids behaved (I was worried they would want to run around). The keynote speaker had his son in the graduating class. Win looked fantastic in his uniform, and the kids came up with me to pin his wings on. Then G started crying when we had to go back to our seats. Like I said, very clingy lately.

Immediately following was a reception/luncheon at the Landing Zone on post. I thought it would be casual -- refreshments and appetizers. No, it was a sit down luncheon. But it was nice too -- pulled pork and sweet tea, a video of sweet helicopter maneuvers, and then a little ceremony to honor us spouses for putting our soldiers through flight school. We got a little certificate and then our soldiers presented us with our own wings -- a necklace. Cheesy but sweet.

The best part of the day was next. Win's class arranged a little family day at the flight line for the families to see a Fox model, because we didn't get to during the first family day. So we got to hang out on the flight line and crawl all over a Fox Model. Very cool for everyone, and Win got to show off a little.

Then it was home for a rest and to cool off. We ended up going out to dinner at Beef'O'Brady's instead of a fancier place. I told Win it was up to him since it was his big day, and that's what he decided. And of course, it was much more fun for the kids, who'd had to be so patient all day.

I will try to post some pictures, blogger is acting up again.

Strawberry Picking Field Trip

Bean Dip's preschool class took a field trip Tuesday to go strawberry picking. It was exciting, they rode in the little white school bus off post to a farm in Ozark, Al. Baby G and I followed (along with all the other mamas) in our car. We drove right by a stage field and got to see Apaches flying. Apaches were flying over as we picked strawberries, too.

Part of going off post for a field trip meant all the kids wore a school shirt. Everyone, however, except for Bean Dip. He refused, saying he didn't like the color.

We got a lot of strawberries and the kids ate plenty. It was fun, but it was 90 degrees, and way too hot and humid to be outside. After water and an attempt at a class picture (I got this one before everyone was settled. The minute everyone was sitting at looking, Bean Dip got up and refused to be in the picture. He was not in a good mood.), everyone piled back into the bus and went back to school for snack time. Bean Dip was much happier after his snack and was happy to go home and sit in the air-conditioning.

Done, and DONE.

Win had his final check ride last night, and he PASSED. After a year of torture, he's done with flight school. He is so happy, and so am I.

Also, in other exciting family news, his brother is back from a very tough deployment in Afghanistan. We are so happy he is home safe.

Mandatory Visitor Field Trip

On Friday, we took our visitors to the Aviation Museum. The aunts got to see the inside of the Chinook, and get an idea of how big it is. Of course, the kids ran around all over the place.

Bean Dip explaining why he wants to fly the Apache - it has sweet guns and missiles.

For dinner, we went to Miyori's Japanese restaurant in Enterprise. The only ready seats were at the hibachi table. We weren't planning on doing that, because of the kids, but we didn't want to wait. It worked out great, though. Bean Dip freaked out a bit at the flare-up of flames the chef starts with, but after that he really enjoyed it. He also ate a lot of food. It was pretty entertaining.

Enjoying the show

Family Day

Yesterday was "Go to Work with Win Day." Also called "Family Day." The weather didn't cooperate, so we didn't get to see any flying or even a Fox model. But we went to the flight line and visited Win's classroom and met his classmates and teachers (Instructor Pilots). There are only six people in his class, down from the original eight. So it's a small group. We had pizza and soda, and then listened to the daily briefing. Then they did a slide show just for the families, explaining how cool the Fox is. They also showed us some really amazing videos. Bean Dip even asked a couple questions (he was the only one!). He asked, "What direction does a Fox model fly?" and "Can helicopters fly in thunderstorms?"

We waited around for a while, hoping the weather would clear so we could go outside to see a Fox. It kept thunder and lightning, so we ended up getting to see the inside of a Delta model that was in the bay for maintenance. We got to sit in the cockpit, which was really cool. Bean Dip was quite at home with all the buttons. I was pretty nervous with Baby G, though. She wanted to climb all over everything and grab the one red tag she wasn't supposed to. A helicopter isn't exactly toddler proof. And I felt like all the maintenance people were watching us. Well, actually, they were.

Hopefully, they'll have another family day later on in the course so we can see some actual flying. But it was very cool to see Win's workplace.

Win and his Work Vehicle

Today we got the awesome experience of watching Win fly. He's flying the Fox Chinook in the picture. As part of their training, they do some flying for the warrant officer candidate school. He was the lead helicopter of three picking up soldiers today. We went to watch, and it was amazing. These helicopters are monsters, and even though we were far away, it was incredibly windy when they landed. We got bombarded by leaves and dust but didn't blow away.

It is just so freakin' cool.

Around Town

So what to do with the grandmothers? Why, go to the Aviation Museum, of course! It was fun to show them the Chinook, it is more exciting when you know your son/son-in-law is flying one of them. And then to compare it to the TH-67 ...

I love how comfortable the kids feel at the museum. They know where everything is and run all over. ( I don't feel the need to try to keep them quiet, it isn't that sort of museum.) We always complete the visit with the coin spiral donation box, and then a viewing of the sky crane outside.

I decided it would be a nice day to explore downtown Enterprise, so we headed there next. We ate lunch at Smoochies, an ice cream shop that makes their own ice cream. They also happen to make delicious lunches. WE all tried the special -- chicken pecan salad, and it was delicious. The kids (and I) all had ice cream for dessert.

We walked around town a bit. Bel Vino (the wine shop) was closed because the owner has the flu. But we looked in a few boutiques and also an art gallery. It is surprising what downtown has to offer.

Exciting Things are Happening

That's right, exciting things. Baby G is finally walking. At right around 15 months. Her official first steps were back in September, Sept. 17 to be exact. But then that was it. She simply was not ready to walk. But just in the last couple weeks she has taken off and is now really a toddler. And she is so proud of herself. She will entertain herself just by walking out of the room, and then back in. Or she will do laps through the kitchen and living room, chuckling to herself the whole time. And she always has something in each hand. I think she's realized how much easier it is to carry things when you are walking, compared to trying to drag something while crawling, or holding it in your mouth (she would do this with Bunny).

She is also starting to say some words, although she'd rather just point and say "Mmm!" Her list includes: Hi, Dada, walk, hot, milk, wow, and whoa.

We just had her 15-month check-up and she is 32 inches tall but still shy of 20 pounds at 19.2 lbs.

In other news, Win had his selection right before Thanksgiving, and his helicopter of choice for his career is the Fox Chinook. He is very excited about it and is starting school in a few weeks. Right now he is doing lots of studying. It is a big step, and it also means we have a better idea of our future. Our top three possibilities for our next duty station are Hawaii, Kentucky or North Carolina, all three of which will be good for us. It is very exciting to think about starting the next part of our lives, wherever it will be.

About the Fox Chinook ... If you Google "CH-47F" and look at the images, you will see what it looks like. The Chinook is the largest helicopter the Army uses, for transportation. One of its nicknames is the "bus." (Another nickname is the "shit-hook.") The easiest way to describe it is that it has two giant rotary wings, instead of one. Also, Chinook pilots are known to be the laid-back, relaxed "Sky Surfers" of the Army. So I think Win will fit right in.

"A" is for Watermelon

It is if you are reading an Italian book. The word for watermelon in Italian is anguria. We have a little collection of Italian children's books, and the other day, Bean Dip came out with one and read it to Win. They had a little discussion over the different words for things.

I had a good birthday. I took the kids to the Aviation Museum in the morning, and then we went out to dinner when Win got home. We tried the new Thai place in town. It was surprisingly nice and surprisingly good. We will be going back, especially once they get their liquor license.

It has been a pretty quiet week. We have all had colds. Win had his big check ride on Wednesday and passed. That is very exciting. It means he has survived the first part of flight school. Now he will have a little break, and then have the selection just before Thanksgiving. He'll find out what he'll be flying -- either an Apache, Blackhawk, or Chinook.

Win was off yesterday for Veterans Day. We went back to the Aviation Museum (it really is a family favorite), and then went to Applebee's so he could have his free dinner. A couple of his friends joined us, too.

Jake

On Wednesday, Win "met" Jake. Well, to be more accurate, he did a fly-by of Jake during training.

So who is Jake? Jake is a giant alligator that lives in a backwoods swamp somewhere near a remote training area. I guess he has been around for years, and all the instructors know him. Someone saw him out, and the chatter on the radio when up, and everyone was saying, "Jake's out! Jake's out!"

Win said Jake was massive. He said he looked monstrous even from 300 feet up. I think it's crazy that there are monster alligators just hanging out in the wilds not too far from us.

Guess ...

... what this is ...

It's giant. And super cool.

It's not just any helicopter, it's a sky crane.

One of the perks of being at the helicopter training center ... the Aviation Museum and seeing helicopters up close. (Top two photos by Bean Dip.)

We had a great weekend last week with some visitors: Win's dad and his youngest sister. We showed them the top sites in the area, namely, the Aviation Museum. The kids always love it, and Bean Dip liked telling Doc all the things he knows about helicopters. We also went to our favorite place ("That place we always go, with the games," according to Bean Dip), Beef'o'Brady's. We watch Alabama football and then went out for ice cream after. Baby G choose the Dark Chocolate Truffle and loved it. She even let me have some.

Aviation Expo

Saturday was Enteprise's second annual Aviation Expo. It was at the municipal airport and a lot of fun. We got to see planes and helicopters up close, climb all over the helicopters, and check out some WWII exhibits. The day ended with a turn on the bouncy slide. I ended up having to go, too. Bean Dip can't quite make the climb to the top yet, and was in danger of being trampled by the bigger kids.


Bean Dip took this picture. We were really that close. It got very windy.


Proof we are in the Deep South. Deep-fried Oreo, anyone?

A Busy Week of Nothing

We have had a busy week of not doing much. The big excitement coming up is G's birthday is tomorrow! I can't believe my baby girl is going to be one. In the past couple weeks she's started wearing her little pink running shoes. She is so proud of them. And I've also discovered the unbelievable cuteness that are hair barrettes. She looks adorable and so different with her hair pulled back. And Bean Dip keeps asking if he can wear them, too.

Win is actually off work tomorrow -- a one-day break before he starts the next flight school segment. He passed his final flight test today (the "check ride"). He has struggled with this first part, and we are both glad it's over.

So ... Baby G and I will go in early for her 8 a.m. check up, and then we are planning to go to the pool. Later we'll do presents, and Bean Dip is going to help me make G's cake during her nap. He decided she should have a pink cake with strawberries. So that is what we are doing.

Now I'm going to go wrap presents and watch Top Chef. And think about my baby who won't be a baby tomorrow.

Nickel Ride

Today is Win's first flight. He and his "stick buddy" (his flying partner from his class) met their IP (Instructor Pilot) yesterday. He likes both of them.

So, in true Army fashion, there is a tradition with the first flight. Weeks ago, Win handed me a nickel and told me not to lose it. It has his birth year on it, and he is supposed to give it to his IP the first time he is handed the "stick," the cyclic, or the joystick of the helicopter. The tradition goes back to after WWII, when pilots coming back from the war made extra money by giving people airplane rides, and they charged a nickel. Then, supposedly, after your flight, the IP returns your nickel, telling you it is the hardest nickel you'll ever earn.

So, for all I know, Win is flying right now, in one of those bright orange and white helicopters we see sometimes. Those are the learning helicopters. I can't wait to hear about it.

A Quiet Summer Kick-off

Well, we had a quiet Memorial Day weekend. Quiet because Win had to study, and because the weather was so unpredictable. We had on and off thunderstorms all weekend, and it made it impossible to plan anything.

Saturday, G and I bought some living room furniture. Now we will have some place to sit besides patio chairs. Our one love seat is in our dining room, where we have the TV. (The idea behind that is 1. the living room has no good place for a TV, and 2. this way the TV wouldn't be the focal point of the main room.) The new couch should be here in about two weeks.

We wanted to go swimming on Sunday, but with the weather we didn't even attempt it. So frustrating because in between storms it was perfect swimming weather. Instead, we went to the Aviation Museum to see the helicopters, then stopped by McDonald's for ice cream. (Win would rather go to MickyD's than go inside the PX for Baskin-Robbins!) It wasn't quite a Palladian villa and gelato, but helicopters are always cool.

Monday, we finally went swimming. It took all day and two trips to the pool, but we finally got to swim for about 30 minutes before it started storming again. BD used his kickboard and practiced kicking with Win, and G and I floated around. She absolutely loved it. She kicked and splashed and put her face in the water. She was laughing and yelling and sticking her tongue out.

The weather is still the same today so BD and I are watching Up while G naps. I love all the classical music in it.

Back to Work

Win started the first school of his flight training this week. It is leadership training, and will last about a month. I am so glad he is back to working a normal workday, and I know he is too. Five months is too long to be doing basically nothing, but that is the Army for you.

Most of this training won't be particularly exciting, but on Tuesday he did the dunker. That is the day they teach you how to escape from a helicopter that has crashed into water. They have a simulator that they strap you into, and then lower the entire thing underwater and you have to escape, in the way they teach you. You get three strikes to do it right, if you fail, you have to start all over with a different class.

Win said it was incredibly exhausting and really, really uncomfortable. He had problems right at the beginning, just figuring out how to use the respirator/regulator -- the air tank that gives you two minutes of oxygen. He's never used one before, but once he figured it out, he was fine.

He said it is incredibly unnerving to be inverted underwater -- helicopters are top heavy, so they flip when they sink. Also, they had their eyes covered for part of it, to simulate a night crash. He said that when they were put in the big simulator, they had to sit, and wait, while the water slowly rose around them, then once they were underwater, wait until the thing had flipped before even starting their escape.

There were six in his class; two failed. One was a soldier who was SCUBA certified, and she freaked out before she even got to the large simulator. Another was a guy on his second try -- Win said he heard him freak out next to him while they were underwater.

If you want to learn more, Google "rucker dunker".