TPS Graduation-Outlaws

Last night was graduation night at TPS, unfortunately it wasn't ours. However, we (and yes, I do mean we, the wives are a big part of this year too, trust me!) are now the Senior Class! Yipee! Anyway, last night was fun. Sometimes it's neat to get all dressed up and go somewhere... but don't get too excited, we didn't actually leave "the compound." The students are required to attend graduation when they are juniors and we had quite a few wives that were able to attend as well. Below are a few pictures that we took during the night. Of course the pictures were taken in front of the F-15... the greatest fighter EVER!

Up-close with the T-38

Saturday was Red Carpet Day at TPS for the newest graduates of TPS. Steve was assigned to man the static display of the T-38. Landon and I went for a quick visit before the students and families arrived. We took this opportunity to take a family picture... shocking, isn't it? Enjoy!

Brett's Visit

About a week ago, Steve's cousin Brett came to visit us. However, he must not have really liked the desert because I think he was on the ground here for all of 18 hours! Just kidding. Brett, who pinned on Captain just a few days before his visit, is also a pilot in the Air Force. He is stationed at Laughlin AFB, TX and he is an instructor pilot in the T-38. He is eagerly awaiting his next assignment. Anyway, we had a nice visit with him, albeit short, and we hope to have more visitors in the future. The picture was mainly taken for Steve's Oma... don't you know she'll be so proud to have a picture of her two AF grandsons?

Spouse Day

Thursday, May 24 was Spouse Day at Test Pilot School. There were three activities you could choose from: High speed taxi ride in a T-38, A ride up the coast of CA in a C-12 or a flight in a glider. My husband decided to sign me up for a glider flight. So he comes home and after my initial "why didn't I get to chose, etc" I listened to his reasoning behind the choice and I concurred. I'd done a F-15E taxi ride at Seymour, so the T-38 would be a sad repeat and he felt I would just get sick in the C-12...definitely agree. So, off to Tehachapi we went for a glider flight. I hadn't asked many questions about the glider, but when we got there and saw the 1950's era plane that I would be pulled behind, I was a little scared. Then, they pulled out the "rope" that was going to attach the glider to the tow plane... it was at best a string! I couldn't believe it. So, I crazily still got in the glider and off we went. They tow you up 3000 feet and then you pull the latch to release the tow line... I really didn't want to do it, but I did. It was a very surreal experience to be 3000 feet up with no engine. But, the motion sickness hit and I was done! I didn't actually have to use "the bag" but I knew exactly where it was. Meanwhile, Landon is on the ground very upset because Mommy went in the "aircane" without him! Below are pictures and videos of the day.

All in all, it was a fantastic experience and now I can add that to the list of things I've done...once!