On Saturday, our local fire station had an open house with tours of their engines and ambulances, a moon bounce, some fire safety booths, plus food and entertainment. I knew the kids would love it, and what a great time we had!
They had 3 fire trucks and 2 ambulances available for touring, and tour we did! One ambulance is missing, as it had to go out on a call, as did one fire truck (which had returned).
Michael jumped right on into that ambulance and was exploring everything.
Kate checked things out for a few minutes, then was more than happy to observe from the safety of Mommy's arms.
Jon has always wondered why fire houses have a tower. I thought it was so they could be really cool and side down the pole like in the movies. :-) The REAL reason is...
...to dry and store their wet hoses after they have been used. Not as glamorous as my slick fireman's pole idea, but practical, nonetheless.
This was my hilarity for the day. This guy must be low on the fireman rank as he didn't even make it to "technician." Maybe a few more classes and he can switch that 'I' and that 'N.'
They did a demonstration of a basket rescue (that's a dummy in that basket, but a real fireman walking down the wall.) As we were watching, Michael said "I LOVE that fireman, but just THAT one- the one who walked down the wall." One of the female medics heard him, and went and brought THE fireman over to Michael.
This is Fireman Don, who Michael thought was semi-superhuman. His fellow firefighters said he's like spiderman walking the walls, and Michael thought that was SO cool. Michael was kinda shy to meet him for real- I think he was slightly in awe. Kate was just fascinated with all his ink (which he actually designed all himself. He's a fireman AND an artist!)
A little boy's dream! "Fireman" might surpass "policeman" as his most coveted future career after this.
"I am your father." (said in a Darth Vader voice)
Michael spent a good 30-40 minutes jumping on the moon bounce. EXPEND that energy, big guy!
This is what I thought was the coolest part. They had a salvaged minivan that had been in a wreck, and they demonstrated how they dismantle a vehicle with saws and the jaws of life. I take care of trauma patients in ICU when I go to work, so seeing the extrication process was pretty cool.
The van, once the firemen were done playing with it.
We had SUCH a fun time! Thanks to all the rescue workers for all you do to help us in time of need!
Kate enjoys her ice cream until her cone gets soggy and she gets any on her hands. Then she's done. She's eating her last bite here. 
Michael ate every bite, and licked a little drop of ice cream that dripped onto the counter. We're really high-class here...
