guests & gusts

After a long absense we were thrilled to have the Bryant family come down a few weeks ago and visit. They arrived late on Thursday night and were able to stay until Monday morning. The primary reason for this was the HAFB Air Show being held the first weekend in June and the main attraction, of course, is the Air Force Thunderbirds.

Friday morning Bill, Jana, Alex, Emily, Sara and Daniel journeyed to Hogle Zoo in SLCity but a fast moving thunderstorm and its associated rain and cold winds ('gusts') shortened their visit with the various critters. Even in that brief time it was amazing how much they did see and do while there and based on the reports we heard they had a fun time.

Later that afternoon Bill & Jana took off to do errands. The rest of us also found plenty to do. I got lawns mowed (Emily happily did the small back lawn just behind the house); kids took turns riding the scooters; climbing up and down the mountain; watching for squirrels; chopping down weeds Grandma Great pointed out; chopping up tree limbs I'd cut down, and all of us took time out under cover of the patio as a thunderstorm (more 'gusts') with rain and hail interrupted our activities.

About 10:00am on Saturday, Bill, Jana, Alex and Emily departed to go spend the day on base at the Air Show. Those of you who have been to a show, or read the events that happen at a show know there is plenty to do and see. Static displays (planes on the ground) allow you close-up views and experiences you don't normally get as a 'civilian' and then there are the Aerial Displays that included F-16's, a C-130, a P-51 Mustang, parachutist's, "Heritage Flight" (historical military aircraft), and gliders, to name a few. Air Force pilots and personnel are readily available to answer questions and sign autographs.


Crowd watches Sean Tucker's aerial display and acrobatics in his bi-plane.

Imagine in all that crowd the Bryant family never once saw any of the Stephanie & Jason family who were also at the show, but they did see people they knew from Wyoming! (if I recall correctly)

The rest of us planned on watching the Thunderbirds performance later in the afternoon from our usual spot just below "the castle" in East Layton. In the meantime, Janice came up to spend time and do some special projects with her grandchilden Sara and Daniel. About 4:00pm, or so, we rounded up everyone (Mom, Janice, Sara & Daniel, Christine-who had Mindy & Katie- and myself) along with munchies and lawn chairs and paraded up to our viewing zone.

Just hangin' - 4 of the Thunderbird's as they pass over the base.

Here the other 2 of the group do a "knife-edge pass" (scary looking huh?).



After days and days of rain, this afternoon the weather was excellent and so sunny that Grandma Great used her umbrella to protect herself from the sun. Haven't got a clue what she's pointing out to Daniel and Sara but it must be interesting.

Katie and Mindy kept themselves entertained with the many lawn chairs we had provided. I'm not sure if they ever just sat in any of them.

As fast as those Thunderbird jets fly it does take the group a fair amount of time to get repositioned for their next stunt. Daniel decided he'd just reposition himself with one of his electronic games.

If you ever write a book "101 Things To Do With A Disposable Diaper" remember this one -- apparently they do make good sun visors.

After the Air Show everyone (Grandma & Aunts, Bryant's and Watts') gathered for dinner. We put out tables and chairs and pizza and pizza and pizza and pizza and pizza and pizza and a few salads, along with anything else edible we could find. You'd think with all the pictures that were taken I'd have one of the storm that blew in (more of those 'gusts') just as we barely finished eating and forced all of us very urgently into the house. As busy as this day was, there was still one more event.

It was Kenny's 6th birthday, and he had a Thomas the Train cake that his Grandma Eichert made.

After he opened his present everyone took advantage of not-often seen cousins and had a great time playing and/or visiting.

Sunday night we invited Christine over for dinner and got a bonus as Stephanie & Katie happened to be there also. We made room for everyone around the table and had a pleasant meal.

For dessert the adults enjoyed Marie Callendar pie while the kids had ice cream drumsticks. Oh, so much fun to watch Katie as she really "got into" hers.