The Gardener's Big Airplane Adventure

The Gardener's Bucket list just got a big check mark earlier this spring when he was able to fulfill one of his aviation dreams~~ 

My birthday gift to the Gardener was a 1 hour plane ride in a vintage warbird aircraft - an AT6. For a pilot and aviation enthusiast like my husband -- this was a dream come true.  Few pilots have the opportunity to see one of these vintage planes up close, let alone ride in one.  The Gardener was able to actually fly the plane AND to experience acrobatic maneuvers during this experience.  (yes ladies -- I scored big points with this birthday gift for my husband!  And, I just gotta say - that the look on his face when he opened the envelope was -- priceless!)  

  

The plane is located at the Peachtree DeKalb airport near Atlanta.  Our little 3 year old grandson  lives there.  Mason loves airplanes as much as his Papaw - so we made this outing a special day for the guys! 

 The airport is home to an exceptional World War II aviation themed restaurant - the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant.

The grounds are designed to resemble an early 1940's French farmhouse.  There are actual vintage war relics incorporated into the design and we used them to take photos with our sweet little guy.  (be sure to check out the link to the restaurant.  There is a great slideshow with lots of photos there.) 

Mason thought this was "way cool" to be able to sit and stand on these relics.  He was NOT however, too crazy about the fact that his gb wanted to take lots of photos!  Getting him to sit still or stand -- was no easy feat!  

 

 Mason -- look at gb.  Mason -- give gb a smile.  Mason--

(he was having nothing to do with my camera!)  So funny!!

  (Isn't he a doll?)

After the picture taking session-- it was time for the

 BIG adventure!

 The North American Aviation T-6 Texan was a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, United States Navy, Royal Air Force and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II  and into the 1950s. Designed by North American Aviation, the T-6 is known by a variety of designations depending on the model and operating air force. The USAAC designated it as the AT-6, the United States Navy the SNJ, and British Commonwealth air forces, the Harvard, the name it is best known by outside of the US. It remains a popular warbird aircraft.

The outside dining area of the restaurant.  Mason and I waited here while his Papaw went for a ride in the plane.  (you can see the reflection of the plane in the windows of the restaurant.)

 The pre-flight check

and off he goes~

(the video is just actually the plane starting up -- its a whole minute of the plane just getting ready to take off.  I wanted to make it shorter, but I don't know how to edit the video - LOL!!) 

 Mason was in charge of watching the sky-- waiting for his Papaw to return!

 Mason saw his Papaw coming over the horizon before I did.  He started yelling - "here comes Papaw! Look gb - here he comes!!"  

The Gardener is all smiles!

 waiting for his Papaw!

The pilot of the airplane (Odie) was nice enough to let us take photos of Mason and his Papaw with the plane. 

Mason was SO excited!  

(just in case you want to make someones dream come true!

In addition to the AT6 experience, they also offer biplane rides.)

My two favorite guys had a big day with their airplane adventure!  Mason is about to have a really big adventure of his own-- he is about to become a "Big Brother" later next month when his new baby sister arrives! Of course - I've been busy knitting for our new little grand daughter -- I'll share pictures of those items here in a bit!

~~~~

Don't forget -- you have until the 27th to enter my nest giveaway.  AND -- at the bottom of that sea turtle post is my Vera tropical giveaway-- a lovely Vera Bradley purse and beach towel.  You can enter there as well!  2 giveaways at the same time-- not so good planning on my part!! LOL!

~~~~

Coming up next--

a little shabby chic surprise!  MY next big thing!

xoxo,

Vicki