For a few months now, we've been planning to take Cole and his friend, Wyatt to Klamath Falls to see the F-15 fighter jets over at Kingsley Field on a weekend when Josh had Guard Duty (Josh oversees the crew that does the maintenance for the jets.) and last weekend was that weekend.
So we loaded up the car on Saturday morning, (Josh went over before us on Friday.) made a quick stop at Starbucks and set off for Klamath.
I was ridiculously consumed with whether or not I'd be able to take pictures on base, but thankfully, I was able to get a letter that allowed me to take photos in certain locations while under specific escort. (I got photos on the flightline, but didn't have an escort in the hanger, so I couldn't get any photos there.)
And no, my last name really isn't Russell, it's Downs.
We got to go out onto the tarmac on an X-Ray Van to wach the jets take off.
And we even got to step out onto the tarmac while they were taking off too.
And then we made a quick stop by Denny's for fries and Cokes to tide us over until dinner.
Actually, Cole got a Dr. Pepper (which Wyatt hates) and switched it with Wyatt's Coke when he wasn't looking.
And then we got settled in at our hotel and went swimming.
And then we went out to Mexican food.
And then we had some time to kill before going to the movies, so we drove the boys around Klamath, showing them different houses we had lived in. (Josh and I both lived in Klamath when we were kids and went to college in Klamath as well, but never knew each other.)
And then after the movies (No pictures from the movies.) Josh locked the car doors so Cole and Wyatt couldn't get in and started to drive away. (That's the boys, who jumped on the back of my car, which made Josh resort to turning on the water and the windshield wipers.)
And then he (finally) let them in.
And then we went out for ice cream.
And spent the rest of the night laying in bed back at the hotel before calling it a (very good) day.
Thank you for your service Josh and family. Our nation is blessed by your giving spirit and sacrifice. This was so neat for the guys to see Dad in action. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: tami | August 15, 2013 at 09:01 AM
Agree with Tami above- must have been cool to see Dad at work and please pass along my thanks to him for his service.
Posted by: Jeny | August 15, 2013 at 09:17 AM
What a fun trip! Great pictures!
Posted by: Addie | August 15, 2013 at 10:33 AM
Awesome!!! This family loves the Military!!! :)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | August 15, 2013 at 03:51 PM
That would have been an awesome day for the boys and you too....very cool. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | August 15, 2013 at 05:35 PM
What an awesome trip for the boys!
Just when I think you can't get any better, you blow me away! I love the photos of the boys in the pool!
And your name isn't Karen Russell? Dang it! I have to have laser removal on my "I love Karen Russell" tattoo!
Posted by: Kelli | August 15, 2013 at 06:44 PM
Amazing day, recorded in your amazing way. Gosh....just couldn't be better. The expressions, the shared time together, and having it all with Josh in his uniform and in his element....an example that will always be with those boys...Lucky boys!
Posted by: janel | August 15, 2013 at 08:01 PM
I'm so jealous, I can never get a letter to take pics at my work!!! ( I may try again....) I'ms sure the boys loved it!
Posted by: Jennifer S | August 16, 2013 at 05:31 AM
I spent 21 years on the flightline in the Air Force, most of the time as a weekend warrior (Reserves) doing exactly what Josh Downs does. Your photos bring back great memories. Thanks for your service!
Posted by: Cristina | August 16, 2013 at 10:43 AM
Aren't boys that age just a wonder? How proud must Cole have been to show his friend where his dad works for his country?
Posted by: Wendy Molnar | August 16, 2013 at 10:58 AM
What a fun trip and the pool photos made me literally laugh out loud! What an awesome trip!! And the photos! Geeze, you are amazing!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | August 16, 2013 at 01:32 PM
We just finished watching the final episode of Friday Night Lights (yes, we're way behind, but loved every second of each episode) last night. My older daughter is watching cast interviews on You Tube & I told her to come look at the pics of your husband. She can't believe how much he looks like Coach T. I told her that from what I've read on your blog that he is like him in personality, too. Great pics, and thanks to your husband for his service.
Posted by: Siobhan | August 17, 2013 at 03:18 AM