We went to a birthday party at the fire station today. The kids were thrilled! They have been talking about it for weeks! The fire fighters gave us a tour of the station, including sleeping quarters and fitness facilities, then the kids got what they came for… fun on the fire trucks!

Two interesting things we learned today. One, fire fighters have actually died on the fire pole in the past (more likely at the bottom of the pole!) Apparently when your brain is rattled from an alarm in the middle of the night you may not be quite coordinated enough for a fire pole. The lieutenant said that some of “the young guys” use the pole now, but most use the stairs. Even still, two, those guys go from sound asleep to trucks leaving the station in under two minutes. He said they aim for one minute, but often are closer to one and a half. Lex and I don’t even make it down the stairs in two minutes, let alone dressed (in TONS of gear) and in trucks. It’s amazing! I think we have a pretty excellent fire department. One I hope never to need!

She's such a cool chick.

Cool in her own sort of way, anyway :)

None of the kids wanted to try out the stretcher, so Alan volunteered. We were afraid they might never release him! :)

Lex loves fire trucks. He loves climbing on them and playing in them. I think today is the first time a fire fighter closed the door though and Lex almost lost it! Poor boy.

Did you know the jaws of life are stored inside the front bumper? Pretty cool.

Can you find Eve in the truck?

After the fire fighter got all suited up, he took off his mask and let the kids feel the air coming into it. Eve kept giggling and going back for more.

Happy Birthday little guy. Thanks for the great party!