Air Force Appreciation Day

Each year, our little town here in Idaho honors it's US Service members and retirees with it's annual Air Force Appreciation Parade and Picnic. Last year, Ty had just left on his deployment so my "appreciation" tank was a little low. This year, we were able to celebrate it together and even Ty's parents (John and Joni) were in town for a visit and got to experience the fun.

The festivities began on a Friday evening with a corn shucking competition in park near downtown. Our squadron had a small BBQ prior to it so it was fun to mingle with everyone and actually "appreciate" the weekend. The next morning, more than 120 floats lined up for the AFAD parade. We were slot #91. Needless to say, we stood still for quite awhile. There was lots to keep us entertained though, so time passed fairly quickly. Once we started moving, the kids threw beads and candy to the screaming crowds and almost 25 minutes later it was finally over. After the parade, we caught up with John and Joni and along with every other person in attendance that day, we went to enjoy a free barbecue, music, various craft and food booths and jumpy castles galore!

We called it an early afternoon and came back to the house to hang out with our company. The guys got to golf and the girls got to gab. All in all a great weekend!