Firehouse Party!

One of Gabe's "faberit" things to do is visit our local firehouse. When the older kids brought home a flyer about the Open House at the fire station, you know we had to go. Gabe was so excited he could barely eat his chicken nuggets, and even Elijah and Isabel decided to tag along. It was a beautiful evening, clear skies and seventy degrees...it made for such a fun time.

After parking our car down the street, we walked down an alleyway and came around the corner to see at least seven firetrucks and ambulances scattered about, doors open as if to say "come and explore". Gabe was ready to break into a run, and just then I caught the eye of...

My best friend, Becky. Clearly, great minds think alike. Just as I started walking toward her, she was on the phone with my husband, calling to tell me to come down to the firehouse. Sometimes we are so similar it scares me (in a good way, I promise).

Gabe would NOT look at the camera (there was just way too much going on around him). But Summer was all about it. Man, I love this girl.



Gabe climbed in every single vehicle, touched every single button, and talked voraciously to every single firefighter. It was hysterical to watch, when I was able to keep up with him! Here he is in the ambulance, making yet another new friend.



I had higher hopes for the way this photo turned out, but honestly, I was lucky to get any shots of Gabe at all. He was mesmerized by the escapee balloon and the ladder and flag, so he held still long enough for me to click the shutter.

Man, Becky did a great job with this picture. If you look closely, you can see Gabe hiding behind me. Summer was willing to pose with Miss Heather. I'm loving the reflection in the door. Can you imagine how often they have to clean these doors to get them looking so good? Can you imagine all the fingerprints on said doors after an event like this? Sure, those firemen were all smiles to our faces; inside, they were probably cursing our little heathen children and their greasy little hands...

As we were walking to our car, I realized I hadn't snapped one picture of the three of my babies. Elijah is not much for the camera (wonder where Gabe gets it, huh?), and Isabel was just too busy checking everything out. And I spent half the evening talking to Becky, and the other half searching for Gabe, who disappeared from sight every time I began a conversation with my friend (yep, he's a stinker).

What a great way to spend an evening. Free entertainment, popcorn and balloons; beautiful fall weather; and wonderful friends. It just doesn't get much better than that.