So, believe it or not but the weather here does get nice from time to time. Last weekend it was sunny and in the 80's and of course, SoDak's signature 'breeze' was in effect. Perfect weather to have an Airshow! As most of you probably know, the airshow is a regular occurrence in Halsted family life. A year not going to the flightline to watch the Air Force's finest in action is a rarity. Even Karl is a veteran of strolling the tarmac but that is more of following Regan around feigning interest as he freaks out about the planes. We figured it was time to introduce Preston to all that is......Airshow.
But before we get to that, first the track meet. South Dakota was holding it's State High School Track and Field finals here in Rapid so we figured we'd check it out even though we knew absolutely no one competing or perhaps even watching for that matter, save a few co-workers maybe. Anyway, it was a chance to relive some old memories and maybe see some good action. We took our bikes downtown, got some bagel goodness, and then rode over to the stadium of a local college where the meet was taking place. For some reason, the organizers took it upon themselves to charge $20 per person to get into the stadium and we were having none of that, especially since the stands were PACKED and again we knew no one. So, we opted for observing from outside the fence from afar. Ended up not being too bad a vantage point as we could see the whole track. Interesting to see the difference between "B" class and "AA" class athletes. Some of the races we watched seemed like they just grabbed whoever was willing to run and threw them on the track. Still all in all it was cool to see. Even Pres seemed to enjoy being out there in the grass.
So after the ride back to the car, we drove back to the base and hopped on the bikes again to head out to the flightline. We grabbed Stacey along the way. It was later in the day and we had missed most of the demos but we were still able to take a look at some static displays and of course the Thunderbirds!! Pres was asleep the whole time until they took flight. He even slept through a B-1 'sneak attack' that was deafening. He was a little startled at first after waking up but was soon pointing and saying 'airpane!' as the fighters flew by. Daddy was quite pleased. We headed back to the house to cool off and rest up for the next day.
We headed back out to the flightline on our bikes after another delish breakfast of bagels. This time we saw the rest of the flying demos like the WWII fly by's, the A-10, and another helping of the B-1. We also got Pres on board a C-17 and a C-130. There were also some blow up jump palaces that we let Pres bounce around in. He loved them but was not the best at staying on his feet. To be honest, I think he enjoyed falling more than standing in those things. Anyway, it was another day of lots of sun and fun and we were exhausted by the time we biked home. BTW, riding your bikes to the show is HIGHLY recommended. No crazy traffic and you can bike right up to the entrance! No long walks or nasty shuttle rides. Needless to say we were ready for a shower and some AC. No problem putting Pres to bed that weekend!!
Some other highlights of the week include a trip to Hill City for Stacey's birthday complete with a scary yet sad mock shoot-out in the streets (loud guns, misfiring weapons, and crazy old-timers do not mix) and a BBQ at the Ingle's with tasty steaks and nice weather for outdoor play with chalk! Make note, apparently it's more fun to throw chalk through a fence then writing with it on driveways.
Be sure to check out the pics. Hope everyone is having as nice of weather as us, although it looks like ours is now leaving. Looking forward to hearing from or seeing you all soon.
Take care!
-Regan, Karley and Preston, call sign "Drooler"
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