Leather caps are fastened. Goggles are adjusted. Silk scarves are blowing in the wind. It's a good day for flying, boys.
Just as the musketeer hoopla was winding down around here, it was time to begin the run-up for an Aviator Party. It seems that we had a boy who had outgrown 5, and was ready to try 6 on for size. First on the checklist was building his very first model airplane. 
And not just any old airplane, either. It was a P-51 Mustang. If you don't know, a P-51 Mustang is the best of the best; the coolest of the cool. I mean, this is the kind where all you have to do is close your eyes, and you're there in the cockpit, controls in your hands, G's pressing you into your seat, the deep-throated rumble of the radial engine sounding as sweet as your mama's lullaby. That kind of cool.
He was thrilled with his P-51 Mustang, yes, but he didn't know he had another thing coming. Get your caps, goggles, and scarves, boys, and head to the backyard, cuz there's something you've gotta see.
How about a P-51 Zipline? It's not a P-51 Mustang, to be sure, but from the looks on their faces when they saw the new zipline cable stretching from the top of the playset to the far side of the yard, the P-51 Zipline would do just fine. Afterall, pilots have to fly, don't they? Yes.
They have to fly...
... and fly...
... and fly...
...until dark.
So dark, in fact, that getting a good photo of the birthday cake was a bit hard. We did, though, get a few pictures of that cool P-51 Mustang strafing the enemy hiding in the snowy trees.
It was a great day. The best birthday ever--or so I was told.
Six. It fits just right.
