May with the Pennings (1999)

Most of these pictures were taken at a recent air show here in Athens, GA. I'll have some short explanations with each.

We had an air show at the local airport on 5/22/1999. It predominantly featured military aircraft, mostly from Dobbins air base in Atlanta. This is a shot of a Cobra attack helicopter.

This is a shot of the same Cobra, but from the pilot side. Doug and I spoke with the pilot, a Lt. Colonel. I asked him what the estimated cost for educating a pilot was and he said about $2million, without batting an eye. He encouraged Doug to become an Marine helicopter pilot when he grows up! (Click here to see a larger photo.)

Different helicopter this time, some type of twin chopper transport type. The pilot put Doug in the cockpit. Mugging for the camera, he gave me his goofiest grin and thumbs up. (Click here to see a larger photo.)

This is a Marine F/16 Hornet, one of their attack fighters, here seen from the left side.

Same F/16 but from the opposite side. (Click here to see a larger photo.)

Now this was an unusual vehicle. This is a fire truck which is powered by two jet engines. According to the owners, it has set the land speed record for fire trucks, achieving a top speed of 405mph. Obviously, it can get to a fire in a hurry, but doesn't know what to do once it arrives. (Click here to see a larger photo.)

Here's a Mustang. I couldn't get close enough to get any real detailed information about it. (Click here to see a larger photo.)

I didn't catch what this World War II aircraft was. Doug is up against it so you can get a sense of its size.

Here are two last pictures, neither of which has anything to do with the airshow. Aren't you glad?!

This is a picture of the kids that was taken probably 8 years ago. I was going through my office the other day and ran across it. It has to be one of my all-time favorites, showing all the kids having a great time over something. I scanned it into the computer to make a wallpaper out of it, but also wanted to post it to the page. (Click here to see a larger photo.)

All of the kids except Doug have been through the orthodontist. (He'll be going for sure as well!) We've given him so much business that I've asked to have a wing of his office building dedicated to the Pennings. Anyway, when a patient finishes the braces, they get a picture of how things look. Biz wasn't terribly crazy about this one. I and everyone else in the family thinks it is great. (Click here to see a larger photo.)