Pilot [wife] in training: Shorter than expected

This title applies to both the winter season here as well as our run in pilot training. Unfortunately, Matt was eliminated from the program last week due to persistent difficulties maintaining situational awareness in flight. It was a bit of a shock, as we always expected his impressive log of Barany chair spins would back him up and earn him a second chance, if things ever came to this. However, safety trumped effort in this case and now we await Matt's reclassification into a new career field (we expect to find out in late April/early May). His #1 pick is OSI (Office of Special Investigations), although we both wonder if the AF will pass on the opportunity to place a strong math major in a technical job (such as Operations Research--his original assignment, back in ROTC, prior to being picked up for a pilot slot). Tomorrow we are going to see the rest of his class at their Track Select ceremony, where they will be routed to T-38's (fighters), T-1's (personal jets, training for cargo and RPAs), and helicopters. That will be difficult to see, since Matt was so close, but we are happy his friends managed to complete the T-6 program, as it is very grueling, and in all, only 19 of the original 25 officers in his flight are moving on to the next phase.

I decided to share some fun and lighter pictures showcasing something else around here that was shorter than expected...winter!! The pix that follow are from our 1 day of snow this year. Not even enough for sledding, but we did get a snow day off from work and school--and there was plenty for snow angels and snowmen! :O)