Firestation Trip

Luke, Padme and I went to our local fire station recently for a field trip with some friends. The older kids had been to the fire station before, but this was Padme's first time. She was very excited. She got to try on the fireman's gear and it looked so comical because she is so little in it.
Luke trying out the fire truck.

Padme loved it all.

Our fireman guide showing us the the Jaws of Life equipment. Luke loved all the big saws and tools.

Padme and her buddy with the fireman in all his gear.

This was the fourth or fifth time we have been to a fire station and I am always so impressed at the firemen's kindness and patience with the children. Truly public servants we are blessed to have protecting us. We will have to go back again when Yoda is a bit older and Leia can come along, too.

Applebees Field Trip

We ended our school year with a field trip to Applebee's. We went with three other families from our homeschool group. The kids were going to get to tour the kitchen and get a free meal. Sounded like a good deal to me! The ladies at Applebee's were amazing. They were very outgoing, excited to have the kids there, and made this field trip one of our favorites.

The kids got a complete tour of the kitchen, the walk in refrigerators and freezers. Then the Applebee's folks had some games to play while we waited for our food. They had a sweeping competition for the younger children, where the winner of each heat got a coupon for free ice cream for a year. For the teens they had them roll silverware in napkins, also as a race.

Here are Obi and Han in their silverware competitions. Obi was really into it, and Han was just hanging out.

Then there was a bit of time for the kids to visit at their tables before the food came. After they had eaten, our wonderful Applebee's hostesses set up a ice cream sundae bar and each child got to wear a paper hat and plastic gloves and make their own sundae. This was a big hit!

When we left, each child had been given a coupon for free ice cream for a year (even if they didn't win their contest) and a coupon for a free kids meal. The ladies there were so nice and outgoing, they really made this a wonderful experience and a great last day of school!