This weekend the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) had some WWII era planes on display at New Century Airport with the headliner being a B-29 Superfortress named "Fifi." Elsie is a fan of airplanes (she constantly points them out when she sees them flying over) so we decided to go on Sunday morning to see them. She's never seen a plane up close before so this was a great opportunity. The airport is only a few miles from Grandma and Grandpa Cox's house so we dropped Owen off on the way because it was too hot out for him and there wasn't going to be much shade.
As we were driving up we saw the big B-29 circling and we got out of the car just in time to see it come in for a landing.
Here it is taxiing up...
...and over. Elsie was up on my shoulders when the wing tip came over us. She was in no danger of being hit because it was so tall, but it left quite an impression. :)
History buffs might recall that B-29's like this one dropped the atomic bombs on Japan to end WWII. Even though we couldn't go on-board (because "Fifi" was busy giving rides to people who had shelled out $1500) it was very powerful to be in the presence of such a historic plane.
But Fifi wasn't the only historic plane there. Here's a P-51 Mustang that came streaking over the airfield right after Fifi had landed. We weren't quick enough with the camera to get a picture but it was pretty awesome seeing it buzz the field.
U.S.A.
This is a C-47 and it too played an important role in WWII as a transport aircraft. They are probably most popular for dropping in paratroopers during the invasion of Normandy and "flying the hump," the treacherous route high up over the Himalayas to keep China supplied in the fight against Japan.
For a small donation we got to go on-board. Elsie was a little timid at first but thought it was pretty cool afterwards.
These are the seats where the paratroopers would have set. Above the door on the way out we saw the famous red and green lights that signaled that it was time for the paratroopers to jump out.
It was starting to get hot so it was time to go, but not before Elsie and Mommy stopped at a booth where they made an airplane out of popsicle sticks. We picked up Owen at Grandma and Grandpa Cox's house and headed home for lunch.
Owen has started eating cereal! So far he's had rice, oatmeal, and barley and seems to like them all just fine.
Big smiles!
I really can't say enough about how proud I am that Elsie gets along so well with Owen. She's always hugging on him and even asks to hold him sometimes...
We're off to the Cox's for dinner tonight. It should be a great time!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Ryan, Sarah, Elsie, and Owen
Wow, the CAF had one heck of a display! I've seen Fifi and got to go inside. It's the biggest flight desk I've ever been on, jets included. It feels like a living room! I didn't get to hear it running through; having it taxi past was a real treat for you guys! Also, the C-47 is from STL; it's based at our airport! Glad you had a good weekend!
ReplyDelete