HOMECOMING - Pensacola
November 12-13
Friday's show - ready for take-off
Up up and away
What a fun,
emotional, memorable weekend with friends and family and our dear Blue Angel
family for one last hurrah for Ryan and the 2016 team.
Saturday was
a beautiful sunny day and huge crowds came out to cheer on the Blues. This Mama held it together till about the
final 4 maneuvers and then the tears started, but so happy (thank you God) when
he made that final landing and was safe!
We went to
the alumni banquet that evening at the Naval Museum honoring past Blue Angels,
honoring the 2016 team and introducing the 2017 team. It was a gala affair with everyone gussied
up and watching videos of highlights of this past year and giving a standing
ovation to Jeff Kuss’s wife, Christina as we all watched (with tears) several
photos and then Ryan accompanying Jeff in Fat Albert returning to
Pensacola.
The rest of
our clan went out for dinner at the Casino Beach Bar and Grill. We had a total of 31 family here this
weekend and 10 friends who came from FL, MO and IL. We so appreciate them making the trip and their support these past 4 years! These folks were some of Ryan's biggest fans!
8 of Mark's siblings came for the weekend
Jim, Karen, Mark, Theresa, Doris, Tom
Marilyn, Janet
Siblings and spouses
Jim, Lydia, Karen, Pat, Mark, Theresa, Mike, Doris, Rich, Tom
Marilyn, Janet, Beth, Mike
More memories...
Blair and Luke playing in the Gulf
Maeve and Mommy protecting her little ears from the roar of the jets
Some of our guys watching the show...
Brady, Connor, Liam, Drew, Michael
Regina Suyderhoud (Mom of #2, Matt) gave each of the pilots a beautiful "real" orchid lei from Hawaii! I got Ryan's and then gave it to Brooke
Ryan and Brooke
Big day of travel - I was with Annette and the kiddos with her parents following behind.
Tonight we are in Newnan, Georgia at the home of Philip and Annette's good friends....Jeff and Ryan Oot and their children, Taylor, Maddie and Jack. Annette's parents are with us and tomorrow we will be off to Lake James.
Tomorrow is the big day to start the boat trip - Mark, Michael, Philip and Ryan will be leaving Pensacola early in the AM...
More pics coming tomorrow!
Nighty night!
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