Friday, July 8, 2011

Texas Part 4 - Parker's Baptism & Lockheed Martin

Besides wanting to see and visit with family, there was another reason for our Texas vacation.  My nephew, Parker, was going to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was another really great reason to be there during that time.   My parents came from Utah to be there, and it had been almost a year since I had seen them.  And so we were able to spend time with both families.   I'm really glad my sister, Valerie, and Billy's parents and family all live within 30 to 40 miles from each other.

Here are a few photos of the baptism.

Parker with his parents
Bob, Parker, Valerie

Parker with Gpa & Gma Alldredge 
(my parents)

Parker and his dad in front of font

Parker with his Dad

Both Grandfather's

Both Grandmother's

The Alldredge side of the family
Bob, my parents, Valerie and Parker


Parker with his cousin at the luncheon
 Luncheon after the baptism

It was a great day.  I am so glad I was able to attend and participate by playing the piano for the baptism.  Parker, thank you for inviting me!  I am so proud of the wonderful boy you are.  I love you!

___________________________________

Later in the day after the baptism, we met up with Bill's parents.  We were scheduled to go on a tour of Bill's dad's work.  He work's for Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth and he was able to give a tour of the whole plant.  He had to go to a lot of trouble to get the proper security in order for us to see the plant and I am so grateful for him doing that.  This was another major highlight of my vacation.  

The plant is HUGE and we had to drive golf cart type vehicles in order to get from one end to the other as it is over a mile long.  This is where they actually build fighter jets from start to finish.  At the Ft. Worth plant they are currently building the F-35 Lightening and the F-22 Raptor.  



 

It was an awesome place to be able to see where and how our fighter jets are created.  My father-in-law has worked there for years and has a very important job.  He has invented many things that have been patented and used in the building of some of these aircraft's.  I always new that he is a very smart and knowledgeable man, but I didn't realize how much until I saw his wall of fame in his office.  Love him!  Thanks Dad for making it possible for us to see where you work and what you do.  

This day is the last day of our Texas trip.  The next morning we flew back home to Bozeman, Montana.  We left 100 degree hot and humid weather and arrived to a rainy and cool 55 degrees.  That is Montana for you.  

We had a wonderful week spent making memories that will last us a lifetime and beyond.  Thanks to all my family for making it awesome!  Thanks for the many laughs, good food, card games, and all the wonderful experiences we got to share with everyone.  I am blessed to have two wonderful families that I love.  




4 comments:

John said...

Sherrie,
You should have seen that plant before they took all of the machining out of the plant. I worked at the South end as a Tooling Inspector and the area between the A and C aisle used to be filled with 5 axis machines. It has all been outsourced now and all they do out there is assemble. I managed to get 30+ years out there before I retired.

Valerie said...

Love all the pictures. Good times!

Anonymous said...

Parker looked like one proud boy and his family seemed equally as proud. The Lockheed Martin plant seemed more interesting to me when the older equipment was there. But the almost sterile appearance does seem high tech now. Still I miss the old. So enjoyed your visit. Now enjoying the memories through your blog.

D'Ann Carpenter

Anonymous said...

And so sorry we couldn't take camera's on the tour. It would have been really awesome, but glad you found publishable photos to use.
D'Ann