Another great FAMC outing. This time we went to the Selfridge Military Air Museum with 40 of our other FAMC moms, kids, and a few dads. Tom took the morning off of work to accompany us, which was wonderful, because Tom is an Air Force buff. It's also fun to share these kinds of outings with him, so he can see what really goes on during all of these great--but exhausting--outings that we do through FAMC.The museum is only open on weekends and select holidays from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., but can be opened at other times for groups by appointment. So our group had the entire museum and airfield to ourselves...which was amazing. No strangers to worry about, and friends to share with--simply amazing.
Liesl and Ava had a great time in the outdoor display. The indoor museum paled in comparison--for them, anyway, Tom and I loved it. (We would have loved more time to take everything in. In a few years, perhaps.) But there were still really neat things to see, do and watch in the museum. I can't wait to go back next year--it's highly worth the trip!
* Why the countdown? That's how long before Liesl can enlist with the Air Force. I've been hearing for a week now that she's going to become an astronaut. She seriously didn't know we were going on this field trip--I find it's best for my sanity to inform her of such outings right before they happen--otherwise, I hear about it night and day until it does happen. It was a BIG surprise for her to see space shuttle exhibits today. She plans to take me up in her space rocket someday. I'm sure NASA will allow her to take her mommy on a pleasure cruise in space. The taxpayers will LOVE that.
Inside the cabin of the C-130A Hercules, the only plane we were allowed to enter. 
Family photo inside the C-130A Hercules.I'm so glad Tom could join us for the morning.
C-130A Hercules. It's a big plane!
This is a replica of a SPAD XIII, a World War I fighter airplane, one of the first fighter planes ever built.This is just a replica, but it's actually flyable (is that even word?)
Side view of the SPAD XIIII really enjoyed seeing this plane. Tom and I have recently seen the movie "Flyboys," a movie inspired by a true story of WWI fighter pilots. The movie was great, and seeing this plane really drives home how much aviation has changed in the last 100 years.
Liesl next to an unmanned tank. The C-130A Hercules is in the background. 
F-16A
Flown between 1990 and 1994, it was one of the newest planes on the airfield. Most of them were 30-50 years old.
Bell UH-1HFlown from the 1970's to the 1990's
And Liesl signing "Helicopter"
F-4C Phantom IIFlown from 1978-1986
And Liesl signing "Airplane"
Ava freaking LOVES helicopters. She goes nuts when she hears them fly over the house, which is often because we are so close to several major traffic intersections.Seeing the helicopters up close--she LOVED it. She had to be torn away. Loudly.
Screw the airplanes. Show me more helicopters!(Beech C-45B flowninthe1900'sbutwhocaresgottagoseethehelicopters)
Liesl inside a cockpit of an F-16 trainer. She really liked that.
A small but meaningful airspace display.Liesl spent a very, very long time here with the photos and models.
I see a family vacation/school field trip to NASA in our future.
Model of a NASA 747 Piggyback.
I had no idea that space shuttles were transported this way. Makes sense, though--rocket fuel is expensive.
I thought this was really neat, so I came home and looked it up on NASA's website:
I'll show this website to Liesl when she wakes up from her nap.
Tribute to the crew of the Challenger.I still remember hearing about this in school, and everyone crying without really knowing what was going on.
Afterwards, we were allowed to eat our picnic lunch in the airfield, under the planes, since there was no other shade available.Seriously...the coolest picnic we've ever done. When else can you eat in the shadow of a wing of a 40 year-old aircraft?
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