35,000 FT.
As a toddler, Ruben Flowers III sat in the cockpit and posed for a picture with his pilot father. “I wanted to be in that seat,” says Flowers III. “My No. 1 goal was to be able to fly with my dad.” Now 30, he re-created that photo this year when he officially served as his dad’s copilot on the 65-year-old’s final flight before retiring from Southwest. (It was Flowers III’s second flight as a pilot for Southwest.) Flying runs in the family: The older Flowers’s brother and cousin also flew in the cockpit on that last flight, and in total, seven members of their family are pilots. “It was just awesome,” says Flowers Jr. of the memorable moment. —WENDY GROSSMAN KANTOR
This year corn-maze-goers could find themselves lost in Reba McEntire’s eyes—literally. To celebrate the country star’s new book and album, both titled Not That Fancy, 40 mazes in 23 states were designed in her likeness, each appearing a bit different, thanks to creators the MAiZE. “Growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma, I know how important agriculture is,” says McEntire, 68. “I love being involved with something that brings more people out to farms for good, wholesome fun.” —KATE HOGAN
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FROM TOP: COURTESY SOUTHWEST AIRLINES(2); COURTESY FRITZLER FARM; COURTESY CORNBELLY’S FARM; COURTESY VONTHUN FARMS; MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY IMAGES