Our Day at FHC Skyfair (Everett, WA)

The Curtiss Jenny

Saturday, July 25th we took Todd to the 2nd Annual FHC Skyfair event at Paine Field (Everett, WA).  FHC means Flying Heritage Collection, which is Paul Allen’s collection of military aircraft and vehicles.  According to the event brochure, “These rare aircraft and ground weapons took decades to locate, acquire, and meticulously restore to their original wartime condition. Not only does each artifact appear exactly as it did in combat, most are fully functional.”

For more information, check out the Flying Heritage Collection website.

The event started at 10 AM and ended at 4 PM.  Our plan was to arrive for the flying demonstrations that were scheduled to start at 1 PM.  That gave Todd the opportunity to have his morning nap.

When we arrived at the parking lot, we were surprised to learn that we’d be bussed to the event site a few minutes away.  When Eric needed someone to hold Todd while he folded the stroller for bus transport, a young Navy Sea Cadet was surprised to have a baby abruptly plopped into his arms before he could get out, “I don’t know how to hold a baby.”  I chuckled with both hands full, holding our stroller contents.  The young man was a good sport as Todd checked him out.  He managed to smile while saying he was about to have a heart attack.  It was pretty funny.

Then, Todd got to ride his first “school bus.”  Right away, we could tell he was excited.  He enjoyed standing up on Eric’s lap, peering over the seats and looking out the window.

Todd’s first bus ride – July 25, 2015

After we paid our admission, we went inside the hangar to check out the planes and vehicles.  In addition to riding in the stroller, Todd got a chance to walk around a bit.  He also found a set of stairs to climb.  He was having a great time!

Inside the hangar

Inside the hangar

Then we went outside, where the band, “Route 66” was playing 1940’s dance music.  Seriously, we did not plan Todd’s outfit ahead of time!

Route 66

Next, we walked to the viewing area for the flying demonstrations (they also fired some cannons out of tanks).

FHC plane

In the air

FHC plane

Finally, we had the opportunity to board this plane.  Todd got to sit in the co-pilot’s seat.

Pan American Airways

Eric & Todd

Todd the co-pilot

Do you see Todd?

We toured one more hangar before we boarded the bus once again.

Zero 61-121 wreckage

Afterward, it was time to eat, so we dined at Casa Tequila.  It’s one of our favorite local restaurants.  We love their vegetarian (vegan) fajitas.  Todd enjoyed spoonfuls of guacamole and refried beans, and bits of mushroom.

Dining at Casa Tequila

We all had a really nice day!