Squadron Life

So much of our life here in Okinawa revolves around the squadron. Not only does Mike spend most of his time working there, but the majority of our social life is associate with the squadron or people from the squadron as well.  There are a few squadron traditions in particular that have kept us busy lately.  

First Friday

First Friday is exactly as it sounds. The first Friday of every month, the squadron has a social event where all the pilots and spouses and sometimes the kiddos get together to hang out.  Most of the time we go to the squadron bar, order pizza and just chat.  Other times they rent out the bowling alley or park pavilion so the kids can come and have fun too.  No matter what the theme, it's always a great time spent catching up with friends.  Many times the event will double as a "Welcoming" or a "Farewell" too.  When we farewell a family or pilot, the squadron commander says something about the pilot and the spouse.  Then the couple is given a chance to address the group. It's a nice opportunity to say goodbye to your squadron family... And they are certainly that: a family. I mean, we spend holidays, birthdays, typhoons, TDY's, and deployments together. We celebrate births and mourn losses. We watch our babies become toddlers and our husbands become fathers.  These first Fridays are the "Sunday dinner" that we don't get to have with our biological families in the States.  

Keep in mind that being a part of a squadron is like being back in high school again, in a way.  There are squadron colors that you wear all the time (blue for the 44th).  There are even "uniforms" in the way of party suits and Bat Babe dresses.  The spouses of the 44th each have a little blue dress made in the fashion of a flight suit. It has patches and a name tag like our husbands' uniforms.  We wear them on special occasions like namings and first Fridays.  Taylor, however, is the first to have her own Bat Baby dress!! Grandma Taylor made it for her to look like my Bat Babe dress.  She even has her own name tag with her call sign on it, Half Pint. She got so many compliments!  I think that this dress will become yet another handed down article that gives this "family" one more tradition to celebrate.

Fini Flight

Before a pilot leaves the squadron for another base or another job, he is given a final flight, or "fini flight" in a 44th jet.  When he returns from the flight, many of the bros (fellow pilots), Bat Babes, and kids come out to the flight line to welcome him back.  We all meet at the squadron, prepare with protective ear gear, and ride out to the spot where he will be pulling in.  A few weeks ago we went out to celebrate our friend Shotgun's fini flight.

Shotgun and his wife, Storm, have been a good friends to us. Shotgun watched Rusty when we've gone on vacations. They spent countless Saturday afternoons at Chili's with us drinking "Barack Obama's" (El Presidente margaritas). And they celebrated Taylor's arrival with us! They are headed to Vegas where Shotgun will continue to fly the F15 and Storm will continue as an intelligence officer.

The kids get special "earmuffs." Taylor tolerated her's pretty well!

Once out on the flight line, we wait for the pilot's return.  Taylor's buddy, Luke was there to celebrate Shotgun's fini flight as well.  Luke is 3 weeks older than Taylor and about 3 times as big! They are really cute to watch together though.  They both get really excited, kick and squeal!

Once the pilot returns, we all wait for him to power down and off load his gear, helmet, and G suit.  That usually takes a few minutes so it gives us photographers opportunities to catch faces like this one.  Thanks Shotgun!

As soon as he deplanes, his spouse, children, friends, or someone else's spouse or children soak him with water and champagne.  I am really not sure where this tradition originates, but it is always fun to watch!

Of course, you can't get by without the obligatory group picture of all the bros. When we return to the squadron, there is usually food and drinks provided by the pilot.

Shotgun and Storm, we are really going to miss you guys but we will cross paths again.  We will be sure to remind Taylor how cool her Uncle Shotgun and Aunt Storm are!

Taylor's Nursery

I have been waiting for several months for a few last items to arrive in a shipment here on the island so that I can put the finishing touches on Taylor's nursery.  Well, they finally arrived and I am proud to say, her room is done!! 

She's been sleeping in her crib since mid-July. The transition from bassinet in our room to big crib in her own room went better than I could have ever imagined! She is so easy going and spends most nights talking or cackling herself to sleep. It's really fun to watch on the monitor. 

I know I've posted a few times showing you her room, but this is the final product!! The Japanese paper lanterns are from a local store. I made the pink curtains myself. Though they are far from perfect, I am very proud of them!! The flower painting in the corner is an original from her Aunt Laura Koke.

The flower table is from Thailand, as is much of the fun details in her room.  The hanger for her jacket was hand painted by one of my Okinawan friends, Rumico.  I can see lots of tea parities in the future at this table!

The rocking chair in the corner (also from Thailand) has some wonderful personal touches as well.  The cushions and pillow were made by Grandma Taylor and the personalized blanket is from her Great Aunt Pam, or Grand Pam.

The name on the wall was the final touch I was waiting for.  The letters took over 4 months to restock at the craft shop on base... Oh the joys of living overseas. I recycled cherry blossom stickers from a shower gift to decorate the letters.

Finally, her welcome sign from her loving aunts.  This was used at my family shower in Indianapolis. I hope she feels welcomed in this beautiful setting.  I certainly love to rock her to sleep in the rocking chair or play with her on the floor. She must love it because she sleeps around 9 hours at a time, 12 hours total each night!!