California International Airshow

On Friday I grudgingly joined my family and other friends at the California International Airshow. I silently expected to hate it, but when I'm wrong, I say it. I was wrong. We had a blast! I would definitely be up for going again next year.

The food was less than mediocre but the boys were thrilled to have fair fare. They noshed on one salty treat after another. Starting with corn dogs, progressing to hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and noodles...and ending with kettle corn. Yes, it's true; all of those passed through the lips of my usually deprived children.

Robosaurus and the Wall of Fire were definitely family favorites. What's not to like about a fire-breathing, car-crunching dinosaur robot?!?

Dylan's favorite was "Tora, Tora, Tora," the Air Force's recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that signaled the beginning of the American involvement in World War II. Though it raised a stir in the Japanese-American community locally, it was designed as a living history lesson, intended as a memorial to all the soldiers on both sides who gave their lives for their countries, and was truly well-done.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds dazzled with their aerobatics. I loved the Red Bull Air Force skydivers. And, by far, what got the most oooos and ahhhhhhs: the fireworks show.

The California International Airshow was great family fun. Count the Manns in for next year! 

Beer, Nachos, and Robosaurus

I know that it was all those years as an Air Force kid, but I have avoided airshows - successfully, I might add - for the past two and a half decades.

Every year, my parents take the boys and I hear about Robosaurus and the Wall of Fire...and all the really cool planes. "Don't you want to come next year, Mommy?" No, not really.

Well, this is the year I am not getting out of it. Brian saw that kids are free and thought it would be fun for us to all go. Family night out for $30, fireworks, Robosaurus, and the Wall of Fire.

Midly intrigued since we don't often have fireworks locally, I still tried to divert Pia for a girls' night out while the boys went to the airshow, but she kept reminding me: "FAMILY night, Cam. C'mon, let's go. Don't be a party-pooper." Fine.

I asked about dinner, they laughed at me. I am seeing beer and nachos in my future. But I will be there, with my family, earplugs in place, having a blast, I'm sure.