The Fire Station with Captain Chris

We had an amazing day today.  We got to go visit my cousin, Chris, who is the captain at a fire station downtown.  The kids had been looking forward to this trip for a long time.  I don't know why we waited to so long to go visit him.

Chris started the tour out with a bang by giving the kids loads of gifts and prizes.

 We then learned about his special fire truck.  He designed this one.  We learned that he designed a special bell that will transfer from truck to truck as new ones come.  That way one day they hope to have fire bells that are 100 years old someday.

 The kids loved the bell and rang the tar out of it!

 They then each got a turn to sit in the drivers seat and check out all the nobs and buttons.

 We then learned about the control board that can do just about anything with water.

 Chris then took us on a ride in the truck.  The truck is so big and it was fun to be so high up.

 When we got back to the station the kids got to spray the fire hose.

 After spraying the hose it was back into the truck to turn on the siren.

 Then it was back outside to see the lights flashing.

 We ended our tour trying on the fire gear.  The boys were so dang cute in those huge, heavy clothes.

 Chris showed them how to put on all his gear and what it is used for.  I think he probably had over 150 pounds on him by the time he was done.

This was by far one of the coolest things I've ever done with my kids.  If you haven't been to a fire station for a tour, you should go.  Firefighters are so serviceable and kind.  We had a blast and learned a lot.  (Not to mention got out of the house!) :)