Airplane Weekend Wrap-up!

On Saturday, Brian and I headed to Andrews Air Force Base for the 2010 Joint Service Open House and Air Show for Armed Forces Day! This was my second experience at JSOH, but Brian and his family have been going every year for quite a while. This time around, though, it was just the two of us. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and I, of course, was in heaven!

We spent the day walking around looking at the static displays and watching the air performances! Between the F-16, F-22, P-51 Mustang, and helicopter demos, it's almost impossible for me to pick a favorite! I was floored, however, by the AV-8B Harrier--it is a HUGE, incredibly powerful plane that can hover and fly backwards! It can even take off VERTICALLY!! Part of the reason I love airplanes so much is that I am fascinated by how they work; the Harrier demonstration totally blew my mind! So much so that I didn't even take any pictures of it (a rarity for me, as I'm sure you can tell). :) We also got to see Sean Tucker fly again; he is easily the best acrobatic pilot ever and one of our favorites to watch!

There were also plenty of airplanes painted with mouths and teeth, which is something I just find hilarious. If (When) I have my own airplane, I think I'll totally give it a mouth.

I had never seen the Blue Angels, so the last performance of the day was exciting for me! While I have gone to air shows that have had similar groups (like the Thunderbirds, who were at JSOH last year), it's good to say I have finally seen the real deal.

After the air show, we were pretty exhausted, but headed over to Annapolis and walked around the mall before grabbing something to eat at Punk's Backyard Grill (introduced to me by Amber and completely fabulous!) In keeping with the airplane theme of the day, we grabbed some ice cream from 7-11 and had a dessert picnic at my favorite airplane-watching spot.

I spent a lot of time here in college, reading/studying and watching planes land.

Brian took this perfectly-timed picture of me; he said that if I ever record an album, this could be the cover. Now I just have to learn how to carry a tune and we'll be set!

I think Saturday was one of my favorite days ever. Filled with my best friend and some of my favorite things...I just don't think it gets much better! Tomorrow, Brian's mom is picking me up and we are headed up to WP for Brian's Grad Week! I hope to have some time to post while I'm there. This is a crazy busy time with so many different events to go to, but I want to be able to blog about it all to remember later. :)

P.S. Amber is having a fun giveaway for her 100th post! Go over there and check it out. :)