Dillon is our oldest grandson - born June 1993. He was an 'only grandchild' for over six years and we were able to spend a great deal of time with him. From the time he was 6 weeks old and my daughter returned to work, he spent 3 days a week with us on my days off. Our home became his second home and he's always enjoyed doing things with us and of course, as an only grandchild we were able to really spoil him right!

At the age of 9 months, he took his first airplane trip with us to San Diego and made it to the San Diego Zoo and the Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. His Grandpa did a wonderful job of indoctrinating him with a love of trains from early on. He has really loved trains and knew much more about them, particularly old steam engines, then most children his age and many adults. In June 1999, just as he turned 6 years old, we took him and flew to Sacramento CA for the Railfest that occurs there every 10 years. We spent 10 days and 11 nights living in a Hilton with Dillon so that we could attend the 10 day show. He got to see every kind of steam engine you can imagine as they had traveled there from everywhere! We were able to take several train trips while there, including an Amtrak to Santa Clara to spend the afternoon at Great America. Dillon told us each night as he went to bed ... 'this was the BEST day of my whole life' ..... what a joy it was to take him. He much prefers flying to car trips and one of his favorite things to do is to ride a train! We have tried to make sure that he's had lots of trains to ride; he's been on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge in CO, ridden Amtrak from Sacramento to San Jose, gone on the San Pedro Excursion train in AZ when he was only 3, and taken Amtrak from Seattle to Portland and back. His favorite trains are steam engines and he and his Grandpa build HO layouts in our garage!

His interest in planes and WWII began at about age 8. He's an avid reader and devoured everything he could find to read about WWII and the airplanes. He could probably tell most people more about it all then most adults know. Of course, having a Grandpa with a degree in military history probably helped spark the flame and his Uncle Mike, my youngest son, served 5 years in the Navy as a flight crewman on a P-3 Orion. So Dillon comes by his interests honestly. :)

He's very computer literate. He always wanted to be a big brother and got his wish in 2000 when his sister Brynna was born and then again in 2001 when his brother Mason was born. He's a great big brother - pretty patient with the little ones and loves to 'teach' them things (not all of which his Mom approves of!) LOL He's a joy and blessing to us!

In the fall semester of 2003, Dillon was able to take part in the Wright Flight program at his school. After signing his contract and attending after school class, he earned the right (one of 25 out of 58 who started the class) to be rewarded with his own opportunity to 'fly' with a volunteer pilot through the Wright Flight program. His volunteer pilot (an A10 pilot by the way), took him and another child up for an hour flight in a Cessna 170 on January 17th, 2004 and Dillon was able to do 'hands on' flying! He LOVED it and our entire family was at the airport to watch him and capture every moment of his achievement. We are so proud of you Dillon! His pilot told him he did a wonderful job and also made him very proud. This is a wonderful program and I encourange parents and grandparents to see if it's available in your community.

Dillon will be entering 8 grade in August 2006. He had awonderful 7th grade year and made us very proud.