Any Similarities?

I have been trying to figure out who Ryan looks like for 2 1/2 years now. This is me at 2 1/2. What do you think? Anything? Please? I know he doesn't look like JW. The only thing is those eyes. He has his Meme's big dark eyes. At 2, my eyes were clear bright blue.
Well, I'll keep him anyway. Just thought this would be fun.

The Next Day

The day after I stood with my boys on the Airbus 320 in the post below, I watched news coverage as another USAirways Airbus 320 landed in the Hudson River. I knew my Dad was at work, but didn't know his exact location. I immediately called my mom and she told me he was in Charlotte in a training session. I then called his cell phone and left a message saying "I'm glad you are not in the Hudson River."

Read his blog for a well-written account from someone who could have very easily have been the Captain on flight 1549.

I later expressed my feelings to him once again that I was very thankful he didn't have to land that plane in the Hudson River. His reply was "oh, it wouldn't have been so bad. It would've been kinda neat." This is obviously the confidence of a man who graduated at the top of his Air Force flight class and the kind of pilot that you want flying a plane when both engines fail. I'm thankful that there are highly skilled pilots like my Dad and Captain Sully out there in the skies. But, I'm still glad he didn't have to land that plane in the Hudson River!

Day at the airport

My boys had a really neat experience yesterday. We met my Dad, an airline pilot, at the airport for a tour of an airplane. The word "excited" does not begin to describe it.
Getting down to the gate was just the beginning. We had to get "tickets" and go through security. We all had to remove our shoes and the whole nine yards. We ate lunch at the food court and just made a really fun day of it.

Waiting for Bebe's plane
Will and Nonnie

These two have a really special bond. And I think he looks just like her.

Bebe finally arrives. As he pulled the plane to the gate, he was waving to the boys watching for him from the window. It was really, really neat. Then he got a rousing welcome the entire terminal could hear. It was straight out of a Hallmark commercial.

Ryan checking out the cockpit.

Will in the cockpit

Will checking out the rest of the airplane.

Will was much more interested in seeing the rest of the plane, working the seatbelts and wanting to actually fly somewhere. Ryan, however, just wanted to learn how to fly the plane. That's my 2 year old- he thinks he 18!

Dad's entire crew made us feel very welcome. The flight attendants made the boys goodie bags with their name on them filled with snacks and juice. Very sweet! We had a great time. Thanks Dad!

My Favorite 2 year old

I love this little stinker. He's the funniest kid I've ever met. I'm so thankful he's mine!

Recent Reads that Rocked- UPDATE

The Abstinence Teacher is the January pick for my book club. Our meeting is tonight and I am actually bringing the discussion questions. Guess this means I am leading discussion.

This is no fantasy, feel-good read. Perrotta digs deep into themes of organized religion, Christianity, sex, and politics.

A very interesting read that made me feel sorry for people leading empty lives void of Christ.

Very interesting meeting last night. Some in the group did not like the book and found some parts edgy and down right offensive. Yes, I can agree with that. But, I think Perrotta is an excellent writer and should be appreciated none the less. This all made for an excellent discussion. The kind book clubs are meant to ignite.

My thanks at this time go out to Dr. Kimberly Reed for her Literary Criticism class I took my Senior year in college. Most of the time I sat with a dazed and confused look on my face as she discussed Deconstructionism as I would discuss making a chicken casserole. Maybe something sunk in after all.

After falling in love with Perrotta's writing style in The Abstinence Teacher, I read Little Children in the matter of a few days. It knocked my socks off. He microscopically examines suburban America with a dark humor and constructs a range of complex characters all struggling with their own individual sins.