This past week we ended the official year for the homeschool group we meet with once a week. I wasn't sure what to expect when my youngest and I began this journey in September, but it has turned out to be a wonderful (most of the time), enriching, bonding experience for both of us. This particular group played a big part in that and we will truly miss them all. The weekly play/explore days were something we looked forward to. We've gotten to know some amazing people with a passion to promote curiosity and exploration. Imperfect people who complimented each other perfectly. I now feel better equipped to take on homeschooling all three next year.
We've also had several field trips over the past few weeks. One such event was Alaska Airlines Aviation Day at SeaTac Airport. https://blog.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/alaskacares/aviation-day-2016/ My oldest son and I attended this with some people from his Boy Scout Troop. We saw Boy Scout Troops, Girl Scout Troops, Civil Air Patrol, and a few other organizations represented. I just can't rave enough about how wonderful this event was! My son has been interested in aviation for a while now, and this event gave him an opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of working in the industry.
We were given passports with stations to visit. If he finished the first nine stations, then he would earn both his Aviation and his Engineering Merit Badges. And so, we boarded the shuttle for the terminal and the first station- the Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Class. I'm glad we went there first because it was a full house!
After that we visited the hangar, where planes were on display. There the kids could learn about building engines, tour actual planes, sit in the cockpits, learn about the science that goes into each plane, and see examples of how to run an airplane and airline effectively.
This is what it looked like when we first walked into the hangar.
There were stations for just about every aspect of aeronautics to explore. Experts and professionals volunteered their time to teach the kids about their field.
At this station kids were assigned a number. Each number represented an aircraft they would learn about. The pilots gave them the opportunity to work different parts of the plane/helicopter. Then, they sat in the pilot's seat to see how it would feel for that particular aircraft.
My son was assigned to the helicopter. The pilot had been in Vietnam and shared pictures and personal experience with the kids who came through his station.
There were clubs and organizations with booths, as well. This high school robotics club brought their robot and explained how it worked. It throws a ball and will catch it when you throw it back. They also brought a t-shirt cannon, which the boys loved.
This is the robot that throws and catches.
Alaska Air and Boeing really went all out and provided lunch for everyone. It was half a sandwich, chips, water and Ivar's clam chowder. The volunteers were really friendly.
The boys visited stations where they learned about recycling programs for Alaska Airlines, wildlife conservation efforts that work alongside the aviation industry, programs for kids to learn how to build and fly planes, and much more! It was amazing!
We went through the larger airplanes where they let us work the intercom and lights, sit in first class, and sit in the cockpit where the pilots gave us our wings pins.
It's not that often that an opportunity comes along to explore a plane that closely.
After the hangar, we took the shuttle to the training facility. One of the stations our boys were especially excited about was the flight simulator. They are the actual simulators that pilots train in. All I can say is it's a good thing I won't be flying any planes anytime soon! Trust me. ;-)
My son was a natural, though. This experience really lit a fire in his eyes. 
Next were the classes where kids chose what occupation they wanted to learn more about- Mechanic, Flight Attendant, or Pilot. Our boys chose to learn more about becoming a Pilot.
I love that this class was given by both a man and a woman. They had different backgrounds and different areas of expertise. The woman was an engineer who began with a childhood passion of wanting to be an astronaut. She currently tests planes and flies all over the world. She also designed several parts of the planes you fly in today.
The man knew he wanted to be a pilot from a very young age and worked his whole life to earn good grades, keep himself healthy, and avoid activities that would tarnish his record so that he could earn that privilege. His message was very positive and refreshing in a culture where celebrity and "doing what feels right" are what's popular.
Both were outstanding role models and had positive, relevant messages. I can't say enough good things about our experience.
Our final class was about aeronautics and the science of how flight works.
Finally, we headed back to the hangar where a team of pilots and flight professionals held merit badge conferences. They really paid attention to each boy to make sure they had a firm understanding of what they had just experienced and learned. It was clear the counselors enjoyed mentoring the kids. My son was proud to have earned both merit badges that day.
If you ever get the opportunity to go, I highly recommend it!
Wishing you all a wonderful three-day weekend. Thank you to all our veterans and their families. This family won't forget your sacrifice!
- Jen
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