Air Show Fun

One of the most popular events of the summer here in Rhode Island is the Air Show in Quonset.  It’s held along with the Rhode Island National Guard Open house and is great family fun with proceeds benefitting the Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

It’s also a great place to take pictures of planes and people.  I’ll be sharing my Strangers series soon – in the meantime, here are some flying beauties…

Starting with the Army Black Daggers jumpers

The U.S. Army Black Daggers start things off

Sean D. Tucker took our breath away with his bright red Oracle plane

Sean D. Tucker

John Klatt thrilled us

John Klatt

The Jelly Belly plane brought color and made us laugh

Jelly Belly Plane!

And more…

P-51 Mustang

C-130J Super Hercules

I’m a little biased in favor of the helicopters – my dad was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam (thanks, Dad!).  There was only one this time, the Black Hawk.  I texted my dad during the show and he said he never flew one, but he supervised putting the first one together at Ft. Eustis!

Black Hawk

The Geico Skytypers were pretty amazing

Geico Skytypers

And, the grand finale… The Thunderbirds!!!!

USAF Thunderbirds

Amazing

As you can see, it was a beautiful day.  I was shooting with my Canon 55-250mm IS – it seemed to like the Thunderbirds most of all.  Probably not the ideal lens for an air show (I may have been a little jealous of my friend’s 500mm), but it was fairly light to hold all day and got the job done.

Extreme Makeover – Puppy Edition

Hi Everyone!

Sorry we’ve been away for so long.  My big sister and truest best friend, Macy, went to Heaven.  I’m not really sure what that means?  I’m hoping it’s a nice place, but I miss her.  And my mom’s been really sad.  Maybe she’ll tell you more about it.  But right now, I have some pics to share.  Of me!  This morning I woke up with long hair and now it’s gone!   I am so super cute.  You may look at these pictures of my old and new looks now.

Before...
Just a little knotty...
Ta-Da!!! After...
Look! I'm thinner and younger!

‘Ohana Breakfast

One of the great things about Walt Disney World (& Disneyland) is the food.  There’s always something new to try and something to look forward to on your next visit.  There’s a whole community of Disney foodies out there (Hi!), but the food is still probably the least photographed part of Disney.

I’ve taken a picture of just about everything we’ve eaten at Disney in the past 6 years or so.  We, being my Disney buddy, the lovely Lady – aka my mom… & me.  (and various other friends and family)   I love looking at the food pics others post, as well as remembering my own experience.   I hope you all enjoy this segment, and if you find it useful in your Disney planning – even better!

"Family"

Let’s randomly start with the Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, featuring Lilo & Stitch.  This is a wildly popular character breakfast – served family style.

As you pass the imposing Tiki, your host grabs a basket of sweet breads and rolls (seen above) and escorts you to into the bustling dining room full of kids, characters and fun!

Aloha!

When we were seated, the server informed us that they were out of the signature fruit bread (even though there were 2 hours left for breakfast).  The Lady was very disappointed, and, in true Disney fashion, a couple pieces magically appeared to turn her frown upside down. 🙁 – 🙂

Yay!

And then comes Lilo’s special juice blend.  Mango and Guava, I think…

Fruity...

Chances are, a character or two will stop by the table before the really good stuff comes – a skillet full of goodness.  Mickey Waffles, sweet sausages, bacon, eggs and more!

Wait, where are my Mickey waffles?
There they are!

The food keeps coming, as long as you can keep eating.  And if you clean your plate…

That was very good...

You just might get a surprise…

Mickey!!!!

Nature in the Neighborhood

The other night I had a dream about a parrot who turned into my mom’s cat.  I woke up to a hawk sweeping past my bedroom window.  What does it all mean?  No clue, but I grabbed my camera and found a couple critters hanging around when I took the dog out.

These two are deadly, but so beautiful…

I'm watching you - all of you...
Hawk-Eye

I’m not sure what kind of hawk they are – possibly Cooper Hawks.  They are huge!  The first one swooped over Woody, and was about the same size, or bigger.  If anyone knows about birds, please comment and let me know what you think.

Update: A coworker helped me do a little research, and we think they are Red-Shouldered Hawks – probably young ones.

Turn around, Bright Eyes
I blend in, right?

When the hawks took off, a little friend came to visit…

I like toast, but...
...but I was just wondering...
...Got nuts?