Over the last week, the Doogs family has been on the road, making the drive from Austin to Colorado Springs for a big family gathering to mark my dad’s 70th birthday. I can’t quite call it a vacation – does such a thing really exist with a 4- and 2-year-old in tow? It’s been a mess of a trip, complete with several temper tantrums (some from the kids, some from us adults), two sick adults, vomiting, a middle-of-the-night trip to the emergency room, and the horror of small-town fast food, but it’s had its moments, as well. The kids’ first train ride. The drive up Pike’s Peak. And today, a swing by the War Eagles Air Museum.

Located just outside El Paso (and Texas…it’s technically in New Mexico), the War Eagles Museum is that rare facility that is absolutely crammed full of amazing aircraft. I’m sure there are some better collections out there – the Pima Museum in the Tucson area comes to mind – but War Eagles has one of the best I’ve ever encountered, including some very rare specimens like a Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, Tupolev Tu-2, and a Fieseler Fi 156 Storch. Oh, and a newly-opened exhibit of decommissioned thermonuclear bombs. Yes way, Ted!

Some pics follow – and be sure to check out the Photobucket album for more.