Fini Flight

Today was Phil's fini flight (last flight) at Macdill, and Avery (dressed in his very own flight suit!) and I headed out to the flight line to take part in the action.

 Obviously so excited to go visit Dad at work and to see the "big plane" up close...

Avery kept talking all day about seeing the "big plane" and what toys he was going to take with him. At first he wanted to bring his Nemo birthday balloons, but finally settled on just his yellow matchbox car (thankfully).

 Um...pretty sure that that hat doesn't pass regulations.

Dad's best buddy Pete gave us an escort (and a boost!) out to the jet. Avery was finally convinced to wear his earplugs like the rest of us!

Lots of other coworkers were there to meet his plane, too.

There's Daddy! He was able to wave hi to Avery before getting off the plane.

Pete showed Avery how to work the water sprayer... It's a fini flight tradition to soak the pilot when they get off the jet!

Good shot, Avery! ;)
(For the record, Avery was more worried about the plane getting all wet than Phil...)

Water and champagne coming from all angles!

After getting drenched, Phil got to take a swig or two of the bubbly.

Daddy, Avery, and Phil's squadron commander, Col. Dermer, who was also on Phil's last flight.

The fini flight crew

Family pic in front of the jet

Walking with Daddy off the Macdill flight line for last time... Avery kept saying "Daddy all wet!"