Pilot Hayden...

Our youngest grandson celebrated his eighth birthday a week ago. Where did that time go???

This year I purchased another of those Groupon's for an opportunity for Claude to fly a little airplane again. It was to expire this month. We discussed it and determined that flying in a plane with Pa (Claude) would be a most excellent birthday experience for Claude and Hayden.

Claude called Eagle Aviation and asked if Hayden could fly with him. He was assured that would be okay. Then we contacted Andie to be sure she would be okay with letting her little one go up in a tiny plane with Claude. She said that was okay. The next most fortuitous part of this event was Hayden's birthday was on election day. He would have the day off from school. We could do this on his actual birthday. Claude booked the time for the flight.

Sunday, November 4th, after attending Norma's visitation, we drove over to La Grange and had dinner with the Marx family. Claude wanted to have some time to explain to Hayden what the flight would be like on Tuesday. Hayden functions very well if you fill him with information so he knows what to expect. He curled up with Claude in the big arm chair in the family room and Claude talked to him about noise and movement and all the things he could think of that Hayden might need to know. Hayden asked questions. It was cute.

Tuesday morning we voted and then headed to Louisville. Andie brought Hayden and Bailey to Bowman Field in Louisville for the flight. Hayden came with his bag full of gum to help his ears pop, a jacket in case he got cold, and other things. I came with my old camera set up and ready to take pictures. Hayden would take it on the flight and take all the pictures he wanted as he flew.

The flight was delayed a little so Hayden and Bailey had ample time to run and play and get Hayden's wiggles completely out.

Cody returned from one flight and then called Claude and Hayden over to get in the plane while he did his flight check. Andie and I positioned ourselves to take pictures.

Hayden climbed in the back seat. Claude took one of the front seats. Hayden was given headphones just like Claude and Cody. He could hear all their talk with the tower and they could hear everything Hayden said. While Hayden was flying he took 30 pictures out the windows.

They did a 'touch and go' landing and take-off at another air field. Hayden was fascinated with the tiny buildings and cars below him. What a fun perspective of life for an eight year old.

Soon they were landing and getting out of the plane. You can see Hayden sitting on the wing of the plane as Claude climbs out the door.

Claude was all grins. Hayden was so happy and enjoyed sharing his pictures with Andie and Michael.

Bailey was given Claude's Kindle (Bailey calls it his Candle) to entertain her during Hayden's flight.

Here are Claude and Hayden after their flight. The plane they flew in is behind and you can see Cody getting it ready to return it to the hanger.

We were so happy Michael got to leave work and join us for Hayden's first flight with his Pa.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Marx home. When Michael got home from work we had cake and opened presents. Hayden had Harry Potter cupcakes for his birthday cake this year made by Andie. Some of them had Harry Potter glasses on top and some had snitches on top.

Andie wanted a nice family picture at Hayden's 8th birthday. Can you tell what stage Miss Bailey is at with regard to pictures. Hayden, on the other hand, is perfecting that picture perfect smile with two missing front teeth. This is a keeper of a family moment-in-time picture.

It was a wonderful birthday. Claude and Hayden were both happy with their big adventure.