Compared to parents’ weekend last year, the weather was much milder, albeit cloudy and windy. We were significantly more comfortable in the stands. While we waited for the parade to begin, Jeremy and Ruth met a 21 year-old falcon.

It was too windy for the jump team to perform; however, the gliders flew and landed on the parade field. This was of special interest to us, as this is what Jake learned to do last summer.

Then the cadet wing marched onto the field. Jake bore his guidon well!

Once his responsibilities were through, he gladly handed the guidon over to any sibling who wanted it.

It was so good to reunite with him!

After the parade, Jake showed us his room for this semester. He remains in the Raptors squadron, and I found this mural in the dorm hallway pretty funny.

We ate a picnic lunch with his squad, then toured the Aeronautics building, along with a couple of his friends and their families. Jake declared this as his major last year, and since then, we have learned what a tight bond these Aero engineering cadets form during their school years.

One classroom was particularly impressive: the ceiling was covered with model airplanes, several of which the boys have built over the years. It was one of many, many moments of the day we wished Derek was there with us.

Ruth flew an F-16 simulator.

Later, we toured the airfield. We hung out in the hangar for a long time.

This was surely a highlight for the kids, as they were able to hop in the gliders. I could see the wheels turning in their heads as they imagined themselves as cadets one day.

Jake demonstrated that he can indeed fit his 6’7″ frame into one of those gliders!

Ruth opted to try on the jump harness. She had fun ascending and descending.

We saw where Jake signed his name on the pool of water he was thrown into after earning his soaring wings.

Then he sat in the next plane he will learn to fly as he goes on to earn a pilot’s license. His co-pilot was right by his side.

It was a full day, and we were exhausted by the end. We got home and played a game of cards while receiving regular updates on Derek’s football game back home.