strawberries & fire trucks: 2014

A look back:

Strawberries & Fire Trucks: 2013
Strawberries & Fire Trucks: 2012

Apparently this festival is now a family tradition. How do we go three years in a row and not plan our return again in 2015?  We enjoyed another component of the festival this year — fireworks at 10pm.  The boys couldn’t stay up late enough the last two years but this time it worked out perfectly.

We went this year with some friends who had never been before.  The weather was comfortable – a change from the past two years when it was in the 80s and 90s.

IMG_9137 This year we went with our friends, Erin, James, and their little boy, L.

IMG_9153As I mentioned in my posts from the past 2 years, the festival is put on by the local fire department and what makes it so neat for kids is that they can see and talk to firemen and police officers, up close and personal. They also get to climb in and on fire trucks, ambulances, and even a LifeLine helicopter.

IMG_9169I know I’m feeling a little sentimental after looking at the past two years’ posts from this event, but … is it just me or does it look like Theo’s legs go on for days?? SO. BIG.

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IMG_9195 Waiting for the yearly extrication demonstration – my favorite part of the fest.

IMG_9204 IMG_9212 The firefighters rescue a “victim” from a crashed vehicle by safely removing the windows and doors using the Jaws of Life.  Very neat to watch them work.

IMG_9213 IMG_9245 While they are helping their “patient,” a LifeLine helicopter lands in the field. The patient is loaded onto the helicopter, then they fly away and circle back around, landing again in the field.  Afterwards, kids can climb through and take a look at all those cool knobs and buttons.IMG_9254 IMG_9259 IMG_9268 IMG_9290 IMG_9309

IMG_9314 And let’s not forget the tastiest treat around town – strawberry shortcakes!

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Yum, yum, yum.

IMG_9338 The kids played on the playground for awhile. Once it began to get dark, we found our perfect spot in the grass to watch the fireworks.

IMG_9341 IMG_9344 IMG_9371 Aside from a few fireworks that the boys saw at Disney World, I guess they’d never seen an entire “show.” They laid down flat on their backs and watch as the firecrackers exploded overhead. Their excitement and joyous exclamations each time a new color exploded above us was too cute.  Dexter even said, “Theo! It’s like we’re at Disney World!” Then my heart burst, just like those fireworks. Other than that, there was a lot of “LOOK! A BLUE one!” and “LOOK! A GOLDEN one!”  So super cute.

We had a lot of fun with our friends. The next day, Theo was still talking about the fireworks and how they were his favorite part of our very long, busy, fun day.  Another great time at the annual fire trucks and strawberry fest!!
xo,
~C~