Justin's aunt Shira started talking about having a celebration for her dad's (Justin's grandfather and Westyn Dean's name sake) 80th birthday a while back. It started as a family get together at a restaurant. While brainstorming ideas, the suggestion of using the local EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) facility came up. It seemed like a perfect venue since W.D. not only was an avid pilot, but was a founding member of the Waco EAA. They graciously agreed to let us host it there!
Justin was asked to create the Save the Date and the party invitation.
We arrived a little bit early to help setup but Shira and several other family members were already busy transforming the space.
The boys loved the little glider planes on the tables. (And they are wearing new shirts from Aunt Shira...Disney Planes...so appropriate!)
Shira had an amazing cake made! It's a replica of one of the planes W.D. used to fly. And I helped out by bringing some cookies.
Pretty soon the guest of honor arrived. Westyn couldn't wait to get over there to say "hi"...it was so cute!
It was time for some good food and mingling!
Westyn offered to "share" some of his food with Mimi...he is so darn thoughtful to offer up his sticky, half-eaten food.
These three look like trouble...
When everyone was mostly finished eating, Shira got up to share a few words. She had also purchased the boys some flight suits from the Disney store in preparation for this party. During her speech, she shared a story that I told her a few weeks before. Garytt and I were talking about Grandpa W.D.'s party and how he used to fly planes. Garytt said, "Oh good, there will be two pilots there." I said, "Two pilots?" He said, "Yeah, me and Grandpa W.D." How cute is that?! So, obviously I had to share the story with Shira but I didn't realize she was going to share it at the party. It was a cute story and a great way to introduce "the next generation of Brown pilots."
Justin then told everyone about the EAA tribute brick that all the generous donations from friends and family were able to purchase. We were able to get a full size brick to be place at the Brown Arch at EAA in Oshkosh, WI in honor of W.D. and Don Brown. I can't wait to take a trip up there (hopefully next year) to see it in person.
The next part of the party was probably everyone's favorite. One of the EAA pilots, Kenny, offered to bring out his plane and take people up for a quick flight. The boys were so excited!! (Yes, it is Texas in July and the boys have insulated flight suits on.)
Justin went up first in our family. He even took pictures from up in the sky.
The boys walked on a "balance beam" while they waited. Auggie was so great and watched over Westyn the whole time! (You notice the fight suits are gone already...just too hot to have those on in July!)
Brenda offered to take Garytt up with her. He was so excited for his turn!
Next Shira offered to take up Westyn a.k.a. Little W.D.
I was so impressed...both boys not only didn't cry, the loved it! What a special thing to get to do! In fact, when Westyn was done he said he wanted to ride the one with teeth...this was the plane in the hangar.
Here's what we all did while people were up flying.
The Brown guys!
Auggie and Garytt playing.
Love getting to hang out with Auggie!
Enough of the Texas heat! It was time for a break inside. As it turns out, cousin Julia had her mom Keri bring her favorite book to share. And Keri sat down and read it to all the kids. It was so sweet and thoughtful!
This was truly a wonderful celebration. I am so thankful we were able to make it down for the party! I will say I was disappointed I didn't get better pictures of the boys in their new flight suits. (I had purchased some aviator sunglasses and my mom bought some old military hats but I totally couldn't find them in my car that day.) So, we took a few when we got back home. Check out these fly-boys.
I love Westyn's attempt at a salute.
And these are their "don't mess with us" faces. Too funny.
Happy 80th W.D.! Your great grandsons think you are pretty awesome!
