Monday, March 23, 2009


There are two days a year I get my family to focus on me. I know, it sounds selfish but on my birthday and Fathers day I want to have their undivided attention and enjoy their company while doing what I enjoy most. I am obsessed with flying and the girls in the family dont share my enthusiasm. Me and the boys fly all the time.
My wife, that's another story. She has flown one time, (ONE time!!!), with me since I got my license seven years ago. Of my 600+ hours, Michelle has shared approximately .50 hours with me.
Shelby, my daughter, flew with me fairly regularly when we lived in New York. Last year she flew with me in our Cessna from Brewton, Alabama to Rome, Georgia, a 3 hour flight. When we landed in Rome, Shelby stumbled out of the airplane and practically kissed the ground. Besides the flight home, Shelby politely refused to fly with me again. She said, "I have seen enough trees."
Well, yesterday was my birthday and I told my wife and kids I really didnt want a gift from a store. I wanted them to hang out with me at the airport and fly with me. They all came out with good attitudes and pretended they were enjoying my favorite pass-time!!! It was a GREAT day!

Michelle was the last to fly with me and we watched the sunset from 2500 feet. I think it made the flight more interesting for Michelle. She flew with a friend on a date in college and found it BORING.
When the flying was over we headed home for ice cream and birthday cake. I got some really cool gifts. Not only did Shelby fly with me and pretend she enjoyed it but check out the photo of the 10 coupons she gave me! Grant drew a picture of my Colt and gave me some more junk food so I can take up more of my useful load...
Geoffrey gave me a gift I asked for. He said I am hard to shop for. I guess I am. I have everything I want! I made Michelle promise not to buy me anything but to fly to Foley, Alabama with me later for lunch. The best gift was having them all with me doing what I enjoy the most.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sometimes if you take your family to an interesting place maybe for a picnic lunch, they may change their minds!

Piper Pilot said...

Bay Minett has 2 courtesy Miatas, a Cadillac and a Van (for those with larger planes). Ruby Tuesdays is about a mile from the airport. Monroeville has Davids & Old Mexico, both a short walk from the north ramp. Bribes work on wives & kids!