Fire Station

While we were at the beach, the fire alarm sounded in our building. It was not a drill. The blaring lights, the siren, and the sudden exit from the room terrified E. Everyone descended the flights of stairs to get outside as the deafening siren pierced the air. Fire trucks arrived on the scene and firefighters in full gear entered the building. E was soaking it in and quickly generating a million questions.

So, naturally, when we returned home we had a lesson on fire safety. We took a trip to the fire station to see the big trucks and meet a real firefighter. All the kids were super excited.

E stepped into the mammoth machine known as a fire truck. She was a little timid at first, not sure if she was allowed to move around inside the cab, but then she saw O.

There was no sign of fear or the slightest hesitation from O as he climbed up into the unknown. Everything was cool...it was a truck! A fire truck! He couldn't move fast enough to explore the many gadgets and buttons or the gigantic steering wheel.

He really was excited. The fireman decided to stand near him, just to make sure he didn't push any buttons he wasn't supposed to. O had his eye on the CB radio and that big RED button. The firemen did a great job keeping O at bay.

E drifted into her imaginary world and she became a firefighter ready to save the world. 

RIIIIINNNNG!! Hurry! Get your boots on! Don't forget your hat! Everyone, get in the fire truck. We've got to go!  She ran to the truck , rang the bell, climbed inside, and 'drove' away in a hurry. We're here. Everybody out! Get low and go! Should you hide in a closet? NOOOO! Get low and go! Don't be scared. It's ok, it's ok. Don't use the alligator (elevator). You have to use the stairs. Quick! Go to the meeting place!

 

W tried the wheel out, but he wasn't as thrilled as his siblings. What he loved was...

being able to reach the door latch to open and close it over and over and over.

I'm glad our good friends came along for the fun. Here's Little Cheerio testing out the wheel for the first time. 

Thanks to our local fire department. They were really great with the kids. It was sad to say goodbye to the trucks. O was very sad and nearly impossible to buckle into the stroller, but we were able to get a tour of the station, get some coloring books and shiny badges to rip up or eat. 
E wore her badge proudly.