Firehouse Fieldtrip and Cub Scouts

On Saturday, the firehouse which is in our neighbourhood had an 'open house' for folks to tour the firehouse, climb on the trucks, and talk to the firemen. We decided to check it out. The firemen were super nice, answering all questions from adults and kids alike. Archie's first question was where was the pole they slide down and does it still work. It is a question he has repeatedly asked me every time we walk past the firehouse going to or from the library. While the fireman wouldn't let us try the pole out, he did demonstrate that yes, the pole still 'works' by sliding down for all the kids to see.

I was really amazed at how heavy the coats were. While we were looking at them, one of the firemen asked Archie if he would like to try the coat on. So here is a picture of Archie trying on the coat. Incidentally, Archie said the coat was *really* heavy and it would be hard to move around very quickly if he had to wear it.

Archie was trying on the coat when a photographer for our community paper snapped his photo and took Archie's name down. The paper is supposed to come out on Wednesday. We will be down at the UDF to check first thing. If his picture is in there, the family can expect newspapers in the mail! :-)

Here is a photo of Archie 'driving' the firetruck.

The firemen were very conscientious about safety, having the kids buckle up even though the firetruck wasn't moving. They even made the adults buckle up, as you can see here:

Finally, a picture of all my guys:

I got Phillip a front / back carrier for Lawrence...He said my slings made him look too feminine. I don't know how anyone would be able to doubt the masculinity of a man carrying his baby--the very same baby that he had a part in making--no matter what kind of carrier it was. But to each his own...

Sometime last week, we had a Cub Scout and his dad come to the door selling popcorn for the Scouts. As it turns out, Archie knew the boy from church, and the Dad turned out to be the Associate Minister's husband. So they chatted with Archie and Phillip for a bit, and invited Archie to the next Cub Scout meeting. We went to our first meeting on Monday night. Cub Scouts was an immediate hit with Archie. He loved everything about it. I think he was absolutely sold when he was handed his neck kerchief and slide. A club for 'guys only' with accessories to boot??? Who could ask for more??? He has talked about Cub Scouts non-stop, has been reading his Tiger Cub handbook, and has shown his book and neck kerchief and slide to everyone...we even had to go across the street and show the elderly lady Miss Dottie all his stuff. As it turned out, she was a Den Mother back 'in the day' for her sons, so she and Archie had a lot to chat about regarding the Cub Scouts.

He even was happy to do his writing assignment today...I had him write down the Cub Scout Promise since he has to memorize it in order to receive his Bobcat badge. So he wrote it out and has taped the paper to his bedroom door. We will work on memorizing the rest of the week.

He has been asking and asking just *when* can we go to the Boy Scouting Store and get his uniform shirt. So I suppose we'll be doing that pretty soon, if I am to have any peace around here. He does look awfully cute in his little neck kerchief! I can't wait to see him in the uniform!