Downtown Opelika had possibly one of the greatest events of Jacks's young life: the Toys for Tots Touch a Truck event. They blocked off Railroad Ave, and they had every type of large truck you can think of available for children to explore. They could climb in and around all the trucks, honk the horns, listen to the sirens, pull the air horn cords - for a little boy into little boy things, this was hog heaven. As soon as we drove up, Jacks knew that this was a party that he wanted to go to. He went running toward the activity beaming from ear to ear. He got to get in and explore a UPS truck, a school bus, a police car, an ambulance, a fire truck, a power truck (that had a cherry picker - no they didn't allow anyone in the cherry picker, thank God!!), a military truck, a Mack truck, an 18 wheeler, assorted tractors and gators, a Life Flight helicopter, and an excavator. What a wonderful event!
The line to get on the excavator was exceptionally long because they were letting kids get up in the seat while the operator showed the kids how to move the arm up and down and turn the machine around in circles. I kept a place in line with Nealy while Joe and Jacks explored the helicopter. It was finally Jacks's turn to get on the excavator, and the helicopter decided it was time to take off. So, all excavator turns came to a stand still while they cleared the area and took off. How do you explain to a 2 year old who has waited patiently for his turn that he has to wait a while longer? Luckily, the helicopter taking off provided a great distraction, and Jacks got to visit with one of his classmates in the meantime.
Whoever came up with the idea for this event really knows kids, because I can't remember the last time I've seen so many giddy children. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
We took tons of pictures, so I'll try to upload the highlights.
Nealy was thrilled to be there....her excitement was hard to contain.
Jacks ran into his friend Minor. They had to plug their ears when the helicopter flew away.
Jacks FINALLY got his turn on the excavator - I think we got about 40 pictures of this for a play by play account of these 3 minutes...
4 comments:
What a cool event, Luke would've loved it!
Holy crap! How long have they been doing this? I would've gotten a kick out of it myself ... well, NOW to be perfectly honest! Please tell me there was someone grilling great big hamburgers nearby too.
We are totally going next year. I think Opelika hosts the most fun events!
WOW! Was it a fundraiser?
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