Another airplane and then.... a big surprise

Daddy woke me up this morning and said we had to go see the airplane. You know him, every chance he gets, he takes me to see the airplanes. So I humored him and we went.

Here is me checking out yet another F-15.

Here is me with a UH-1 MEDEVAC

Then I went inside and got a real surprise!

I even made a sign for mommy. I did it on the computer so she could read it.

Now mommy is really tired, because I would not let her put me down.

So Hawaii's loss is our gain. Mommy is home and she is not allowed to leave again without a permission slip signed by me. And since I can not write, she is not going anywhere!

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park: Part II - the Park

After the walk in the park, we went to check out the park in the park. Every park has a park were kids can play or it would be called a place to walk.

Here I am riding a "Chip Monk."

Yep, swing on the swing.

Had to try the other one too.

I really like the slide.

Not sure what this is, but I need a little help.

One more is all I need.

On the beach....

I want this one daddy!

Guess that is a no....

Alligators. Anyone want to go swimming with me?

We had a good time at the Bayou. It is really close to our house, so I am sure we will get back soon. If you come and visit I can take you to look for alligators if you want.

A visit to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park: Part I - The Walk

We were looking for something to do today and we remembered right across from our neighborhood, on the other side of the Highway was a park. So we loaded up the car and went there.

It is a big part. Has hiking trails (3) and a play ground and kayak and canoe rentals. It is a very clean park with lots to see and do.

This is the trail head. You have to cross a bridge and then pick one of two trails.

I wanted to look for fish and alligators, but did not see any.

Here I am trying to get a closer look at the alligators.

Using my official hiking pointer I am choosing our trail.

The trail goes along the Bayou so you can see the water.

It is a wide trail, but the roots kept tripping me.

Another water check, we heard a Dolphin.

Ok, it was a long walk, so I chose to ride the pack animal. Well his face is furry like one.

A piece of history. It is a 500 pound training bomb. The sign says the Doolittle Raiders dropped it while training at Eglin for their top secret mission.

Here I am helping Auntie complete the grueling 1/2 mile walk.

So far the park checks out. It was a little cool, in the low 60s, so I am wearing my jacket, just in case anyone is wondering.

The National Museum of Naval Aviation on Naval Air Station Pensacola

Our final stop for the day was the National Museum of Naval Aviation which was really cool, because as I said, Daddy knows where all the planes are and I love planes. So it was win win for me and this one even let me play in the planes.

Auntie Nomin and I out front under a big plane.

Here I am giving Auntie the guided tour.

A flight of "Blue Angels" flying over... inside no less.

The Battle Honors of the USS Hornet, a World War II Air Craft Carrier.

Here I am getting some stick time.

Here I am controlling the kiddie carrier. You can see my Naval Wings, which I earned today.

Just ignore the red and white sign to the right, I invited Auntie aboard and I am the Captain (0-6) so it was ok!

For inviting Auntie aboard I got demoted to the launch officer. Not fair....

Here I am at the controls of a cargo air craft. Launch Officer just was not for me.  So I am back flying. See the wings, I am qualified.

Today was a fun day. Even if I pitched a fit when the museum closed and it was time to go. I was having the best time. After all, they let me play with everything there. Our travels up US Highway 98 and the tour of the Naval Air Station were great. We got to see a lot of the pan handle in the process, I think everyone got something out of today. I can't wait for Mommy to get home from Hawaii so we can do it again!!!!

The Advanced Redoubt of Fort Barrancas

It would seem the other thing Daddy can not pass is a historical site or battle field. The Advanced Redoubt of Fort Barrancas counts as both. It is a fort built to defend the Naval Ship Yard and saw action in the Civil War.

Here I am standing at the front gate. It is locked, too late in the day for a guided tour.

Daddy stuck the Camera in a window and snapped this picture. It was really cold inside.

Taken in the crossfire pit.

Me helping Auntie up the stairs.

From the front.

A firing port.

Another shot through one of the firing ports.

The scarred main gate.

A close up of the battle damage at the front gate.

A close up of the brick work.

Me not wanting to leave. I did not even get to see inside. Have to be here by 11am. We were only 4 hours late.

We will have to return for the guided tour, to see the inside. That and this is one of three forts on Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station

We continued our travels along US Highway 98 until we reached Pensacola, Florida. From there, we traveled to Pensacola Naval Air Station. I had been there recently for a drill weekend so I knew the National Cemetery was there. As is always the case, I find it impossible to pass without taking a few minutes to pay my respects to the fallen and my fellow veterans.

A very breezy day lends itself to all the flags flying in full display.

Row upon row of white stones. These are on the newer side of the cemetery.

Nomin escorting Christopher through the gardens. Still too young to understand, but when he is older, I hope he will understand why we always stop.

And as always is the case when I go through the gardens I pause to reflect briefly upon the lives of those who have served and those who have fallen in the service of our nation. The vast majority buried here served from one enlistment to retirement and lived out their lives. However, a small number made the ultimate sacrifice. The very least I can do is pay my respects and honor their memory with a picture and a few words. For it is our nations promise to them, that we will never forget them or their sacrifice. For they gave up their tomorrows so we can enjoy our todays.

PFC Matthew Christopher Colin, November 16, 2011, Kandahar, Afghanistan, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

SSG Christopher L. Brown, April 3, 2012, Kunar, Afghanistan, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

LCPL Marcus Mahdee, May 9, 2005, Karmah (near Fallujah), Iraq, 3rd BN, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force

TSGT Walter A McClellan, April 17, 1945, Germany, United States Army Air Corps

TSGT McClellan remains were recovered in September 2008, a recovery team of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, exhumed his remains in Burkhardswalde, Germany. He was a crew member of the "Towering Titan" a B-17 Flying Fortress that was down by enemy fighters during a bombing mission over Dresden, Germany. An excellent example of our nations promise that we will not stop looking until they are all accounted for....

The cemetery was divided in two sections and this is the view as you enter the older half.

A picture across the gardens. The closet stones date to the Civil War and far stones to the 1980s. Long before the it was a national cemetery, it was a military cemetery. The remains of thousands of American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen rest here in honored company.