Riverside Air Show

March 26, 2011

Matt's brother Brandon and his wife Lindsay and their son Mason came out to visit us the last weekend in March. The trip was strategically planned - by the ladies - to coincide with the ever-exciting, end-of-the-month sample sales in downtown LA. After shopping our little hearts out on Friday, we decided to hit up Riverside on Saturday for their annual air show. It was pretty sweet. Especially since we've got a few airplane fans in the family. 

I like to call this next grouping of pictures simply, "Wipe off the drool, boys!" 

(Oh how I wish I could see their faces in these pictures.)

 This place was man heaven. 

And all the men (little and large) had a blast!

"Oh my goss!!"

"Look at the cool red airplane Aunt Lindsay!!"

 Us women-folk had a pretty good time too. 

Here are some of the cool things the boys were drooling over.

We had a great time in airplane heaven . . . Riverside did not disappoint.

UNCLE JOE

THIS IS MY UNCLE JOE

HE PASSED AWAY ON FEBRUARY 24 AT THE AGE OF 53. 

HE WAS AMAZING. 

When Joe was born, doctors told my grandmother to just leave him at the hospital to die. She didn't. 

And Joe thrived.

Joe wasn't allowed to be taught in the public schools, so my grandmother started a school for him and for kids like him. 

My grandma is amazing. She raised 11 children - 9 girls and 2 boys. And she made sure Joe got every opportunity in this life.

Joe loved life. 

He loved swimming

Bowling (and he was darn good!)

and going on any sort of ride . . . 

he was very daring and could scream like the best of them.

He also loved singing

and playing his harmonica, recorder, or any other instrument he could get his hands on.

He loved John Wayne and Elvis Presley . . . a lot!!!

He gave the greatest hugs . . . hands down.

If you were lucky (Or just cousin Oliver), you'd get one of these hugs every time he saw you

And he always loved a good party. "Gweat Potty" he'd say.

He made friends with everyone he met. 

When Joe went out, no one was safe from his infectious grin and his warm handshake and inevitable hug.  He would say, "You my fwiend." "I like you." "You nice, pretty lady"

Joe had a deep love for his Savior. 

He radiated the love of Christ and showed all he knew what it felt like to be loved unconditionally.

Thank you for being so amazing.

WE MISS YOU JOE AND LOVE YOU!!