October brought a new kind of adventure… Even after 34 years of marriage, we still find out things about each other! Heath and I have been discussing a Florida beach adventure that would include watching a Blue Angels airshow. I never realized how much he enjoyed these military planes and their history. I thought Tommy on the beach watching them would be cool too!

Since our phones are always listening to us, I started getting advertisements that Houston has a big air show, “Wings over Houston” and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform there. What a good trial run for Tommy and a good birthday adventure for Heath this could be… I mentioned it, Heath agreed. I got tickets and here we are on our way. I booked a hotel, which Tommy is always up for, and we will try and at least drive by the airport field just to give Tommy a little heads up of what was coming tomorrow.

In researching the event, I found that this is a massive three-day event. Not only are you able to mingle among the jets and other planes. The owners are there with history and upkeep information on the planes and some veterans are there happy to tell their stories. All types of vendors were onsite. Food and drinks, t-shirt and hats and other military collectibles.

The Saturday and Sunday shows are basically the same “full” show. Starting with parachuters coming in the with American Flag. Quite impressive. (little sneak peek!)

Special Note: For others with special needs kids or other type of sensory kiddos - the air show does offer a Friday afternoon event with less noises, explosions, etc. I believe that you have to register for these spots pretty early but if you know a school or small group or even individuals that could benefit from this, I am placing this here for awareness. If we don’t share the things we learn along the way how will anyone ever know? I didn’t know until perusing the website for more details long after I had already purchased tickets.

Small disappointment

I received an email about a week before the event that due to “the government shutdown” the Thunderbirds would not be able to appear at the show… This was our main reason for going… We were sad, but the email also stated that anyone that purchased 2025 tickets would receive a “jet team fly guarantee” So we will automatically receive tickets to the 2026 show, and they have already notified me that is scheduled for Halloween weekend. I thought that was a great offer, they know that the team flying is the biggest draw to their show. Awesome Benefit!

Shoes?

As I am looking around the hotel, trying to lay things out for the next day because we were only staying the one night and would need to be packed up in the morning, I realize that Tommy is wearing his crocs… Mom fail :( I did not make sure that he had some comfortable shoes before we left the house. How much walking would be involved tomorrow was unknown, but whatever it was it would be too much for crocs! Tommy was now in need of shoes so we searched the area and found an Academy on the way to the airport!

Tommys initial reaction as we drove up had a lot of uncertainty. He saw a few planes that were already on the grounds and automatically assumed that we were going up in one and that was probably not going to work out well for us! LOL It did work out good for us to scope out the parking, get the lay out of the event and where we would actually enter, just to be prepared for tomorrow! Afterwards we found him treat which made him happy! Until tomorrow…

Dairy Queen for French fries with Kangaroo and Cheetah!

There was a little bit of anxiety when we arrived, but after getting the wagon, lawn chairs, umbrella, etc. unloaded, Tommy understood that we were not riding in an airplane. He walked on in with anticipation and less anxiety which was nice! Even though we were early, there was already a line of people wrapping what seemed like a city block. Purses, bag and wagon inspections were next before we could enter and decide where to set up and sit! You basically sit along a fence looking at the runways. We found what we thought would be a good spot, upfront and with some good music! The sun was beaming and hot unfortunately but the first vendor that we came across was selling some hats and Tommy was extremely happy with that purchase!

Time to explore

We claimed our spot and started our walking adventure to see the planes. So much to see - they really did a great job in showcasing them!

Back to our seat ready for the show and a rain cloud appears… I believe that we went through every season this day! Lots of SUNshine, WIND then pretty heavy RAIN and back to sun and HEAT again! LOL

A section of the show was dedicated to RC Jets, although amazing what these aircrafts are capable of, it was not very entertaining for Tommy. He and I decided to check out the vendor area! We found some military planes that he loved looking at and we also got him some dog tags made. He got to choose the design and enjoyed wearing them!

After the introduction of all the aircrafts that were taking place in the show and the jet stunts, the ending of the show was a tribute to Tora Tora Tora! I was a little concerned with the explosives that would be going off and how they may or may not bother Tommy, but by this time he was engrossed in my phone and shaded from the sun in hidden in his own little kingdom! LOL

The only thing better than what we got to experience today would have been the jet team flying. Looking forward to seeing them in 2026.

May we always remember the sacrifices of the men and women who bravely protect the United States of America, and may we never forget our history and those entombed in the USS Arizona.

- God Bless