Her Great Grandpa would be THRILLED

as Mattie took her first small airplane ride today (she earned her commercial wings when she was too tiny to remember).

Harrison Ford is chairman (yes, THE H.F.) of a group that sponsors airplane rides for kids to explore the world of being a pilot. We heard about that program at her school and arrived promptly at 7:50 a.m. for the event, which was free, on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately due to a communication glitch we went from 5th in line to 90th in line...which resulted in a four point five hour wait to make her flight, but with magazines, scissors and the camera in my purse, Tilly and I passed the time reasonably well, all things considered.

Before taking the flight, she took a 20 minute ground class explaining how the plane works and the basic gist of what they could and couldn't do. I was nervous that her propensity for motion sickness would keep her from enjoying the experience, but afterwards she declared it "The best thing I've ever done."

Her great grandpa would be proud.