Family Mellmann

The yard and garden are green with the promise of color to come. But the lilac bush is in full bloom and smells fabulous so I had to bring a little bit indoors. I'm only sorry that it won't last longer.

It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (plus all the work Patrick had to put in) but we made it; one college graduate.  Patrick's official degree is Bachelor of Science Professional Pilot Technology.  Along with the degree his holds his Private and Commercial Pilot license, Instrument rating, Flight Instructor, and Multi-engine (there's more, but these are the big ones). In just under two weeks, he and his girlfriend - who will graduate with her Master's next weekend - will be headed for Arizona where he will pick up a flying job to finish out his "hours" (a minimum 1,500 hours of flight time are require to receive the Airline Transport Pilot License (aka "ATP") needed to fly for a "legacy airline" (think Delta, United, American, Luftansa, etc.).  1,000 hours are required to receive a Restricted ATP which can get you in the door of a regional airline. Patrick has been accepted as a Cadet at West Jet - the largest regional airline in the world

We made it home and had a few hours to settle in, catch up with the kids, and do some unpacking.  Then it was off to Asiana House for a birthday sushi dinner.

It's our last day in paradise and we are sitting at the airport waiting for our flight to Chicago to begin boarding.  It has been a lovely week enjoying a mix of corporate events and personal time off. The weather has been beautiful and we got lots of good sun. I am very ready to be home, but I will definitely miss this weather, the sun, the beautiful flowers, and the ocean.

It's been roughly ten years since our last Mentor Graphics Platinum Club trip and this year it's called the Siemens Golden Eagle Club.  We have been getting a few days of sun, rest, and coastal walks before the corporate festivities begin…in about thirty minutes…here on the "big island" of Hawaii. Unlike past trips, we didn't need grandparents to stay with our now-adult children.  We just packed our bags and left.  Actually, one of those adult children (Patrick) is subbing for my music classes and the Spring Program while we're away.  And both of them have been tasked with duties while we're gone. Aloha!