Jill does Aviation Spouses Day here at Fort Rucker!

So I had the chance to do aviation spouses day here at Fort Rucker. Pretty much the give you a taste of what the guys go through for flight school. We got to shoot guns in a simulation, fly a simulated helicopter, do HOST (underwater helicopter simulation) and a leadership course and work as a team.

 

This is our formation where we got into teams. We were team 2 the "Fire bird Assassins." There is a horribly made movie with Nicholas Cage and Tommy Lee Jones about the Apache. Any way we hate the movie and thus the name. I was able to go with some good friends. Emily Baker on my right and Dani Bastian on my left.

This is me shooting an M4. I did my best on this gun. Shot 5 turkeys my first time.

This is our group all huddled and getting ready to shoot. We are being taught on how to load the weapons.

This is me shooting the big 50 cal or the M2. Loved this gun but it was off. They have u aim and shoot and then show you where all your rounds went and mine were a good 3 feet above the target. I know I was aiming. I also got to shoot a 240. That was cool. it has a tripod and you have to lay low to the ground.

This was our group!

We went to the simulators to fly aircraft. They wouldn't let us take cameras in but this was outside the building. When you go to the simulated aircraft it reminds of a part of Star Wars. You walk down a cat walk to a pod and get in. We flew a Kiowa. I was able to shout a machine gun and a Hellfire missile from it. It is such a small cock pit that I got a little nauseated.

This was HOST. Helicopter (Something) Survival Training. This is where they simulate going under water in a helicopter and get out. They teach you to go off a point off you body to find your way out. This is me before in all my gear.

This is me in the water getting ready to do my thing. You have to hold on to a bar and hold your breath and get to a door and then get out. I succeeded.

This is me after my success.

This is one of our leadership survival courses. We had to cross 3 platforms with out touching the ground carrying "top secret" papers. 

Another one of the courses was to carry a big metal barrel up this. I was the team captain on this one. We made it in the time allotted.

This was us getting our barrel over. Yeah!

Me getting my "Wings." I got mine before Daniel did. Funny!

This was our graduating class. I am in the middle. It was a great experience and a fun opportunity. It made me realize how much Daniel went through and all he had to learn. And I only went through a very small version of what he has. He is an amazing man and I appreciate him and look up to him a whole lot more.   

 

 

 



Happy BIrthday TAYCI!

Tayci turned 11 on the 11th of January!

 

She chose to have a BRAVE cake. I didn't know she liked the movie that much.

She had a little friend party since we are leaving Alabama soon and hung out and ate munchies with them. It was quite chaotic. These are just a few of her friends. They are good kids.

The craziness begins!

Tayci received lots of well wishes for her birthday! It was so good to see them all have fun and here the little things they talk about. The boy talk begins and I think that there was a little truth and dare in there. A lot of hide and seek and playing outside. Tayci got a new bike from her mom and dad.



Happy Birthday LEVI!

Levi turned 2 on the 28th of December!

He had so much fun. We made him a helicopter cake since that is what he is in to and we see them every where.

Levi loves fire and was thrilled with just his candles.

The kids helped him unwrap his presents. They are so thoughtful.

 

 

Levi getting ready to blow his candles out! He thought it was great. We took him out for his birthday dinner and he got chicken nuggets and played and a play place.

 

 He is so big. He has the unwrapping part down. So he is talking a lot. I would ask him, " how old are you Levi?" He answers with, "2" and try to lift his 2 little fingers but ends up just pointing his one finger. He says full sentences and even goes to the bathroom by himself. He does like to pee with his older brother. he thinks it's pretty cool. He and Luke are 2 peas in a pod and have so much fun together. They are quite the duo!