Today was one of those days that I’m glad I always have my little Canon PowerShot in my purse.
We met up with The Narrator after Bible Study for lunch. As we were eating, it became apparent that our waitress was enamored by T-Rex. I mean, I can’t really blame her, he is an incredibly adorable, well-behaved, 3-year-old boy with eyes that just suck you right in. As a result, we had very good service at our table. My coffee cup never went dry, our plates were cleared immediately, and she really wanted to make sure T-Rex was enjoying his mac’n cheese, which was obvious since it was all over his face.
T-Rex’s footwear of choice is normally boots. Today, he was wearing his bright red firemen rain boots. The waitress asked him about his boots, and then pointed out that the table next to us was full of firemen. She asked him if he would like to help her give the mints to the firemen. He gave her a shy nod yes, and then Little Miss asked, “What about me?? Can I help too?” I think she was feeling a bit left out of all this attention.
The kids walked over to the table and the waitress introduced them to the firemen. The firefighters then asked the kids if they have ever sat in a fire truck, and invited us to come visit the station which was right behind the restaurant. The kids’ eyes lit up and I promised them we’d go over right after lunch.
We piled in the car and drove around to the firehouse where one of them men from lunch greeted us, along with a black lab who was five times the size of T-Rex. It turns out this fireman has a 3-year-old boy too who is, naturally, fascinated with all things fireman related also. We had our own personal tour of the fire station. He let the kids sit in 2 different trucks, showed them all the gear and what all the various parts of the trucks are for. He also gave them a couple fire hats, stickers, tattoos, magnets, and pencils. Talk about some loot!
My favorite part was when he showed them how they have their boots tucked inside their firepants so they can step into their gear and get dressed really fast. He said in school they have to be able to get all of their gear – boots, pants, jacket, gloves, helmet and backpack on in less than 70 seconds. I’m thinking this might be a useful technique when it comes time for school. We can half assemble their clothes and shoes the night before. In the morning we can set the timer. You have 70 seconds to get dressed for school. Ready, set GO!!
So, thank you to our firemen and women who keep our towns safe, help us when we are ill or in an accident, and for having an open door to the young kids in our communities! You made our dreary day memorable.