What Mommy Missed

Work duties had Mom flying off to Utah today. So it was just the boys at home today, left to fend for ourselves. Except we didn't spend much time at home. Upon picking up Grafton from school, we drove  to a playground at an elementary school in Granby. But we struck out. The playground was surrounded by a veritable moat, riddled with pools of water many inches deep around all the play equipment, including a small ocean at the base of the slide. We decided to try another outdoor spot to play, and headed to Defresne Park. But from the road it didn't look accommodating either, as it was still surrounded by snow. So we did a quick drive around Granby, but ended up back at Mt Holyoke College, where we usually do our evening walks.

Filled with Goldfish, Grafton was ready to burn some energy. He ran and ran, challenging his Dad to keep up with him. We stopped for a bit to enjoy the view of the raging waterfall of the Upper Pond dam. We soon reached the amphitheater, walking onto the large stage, and then climbing up the stairs (Grafton even led with his left foot a few times while climbing). Looking back, Grafton saw the stage and told me, "I wanna sing a song on the stage." As I followed him down the uneven stairs, he demanded that I sit down and watch! He climbed on the stage and started singing Old McDonald Had a Farm while dancing around. He really seemed to enjoy himself. When he finished, he demanded that I put on a performance as well, which of course, I was compelled to do. Fortunately, for me, no one was around. As the show came to a close, the cloudy sky opened up to reveal the radiant and uplifting light of the setting sun. Unable it to see it directly, I implored Grafton to run up the stairs with me so that we could catch the sunset.

After enjoying the transient light, we headed back to our car, Grafton in my arms. The car was parked across the street from the District 2 fire station, and I noticed that one of the garage doors was open. The garage bays were all lit up, and I could see a fire engine inside, and I knew Grafton would enjoy seeing it up close. We headed over. Peering inside, there was a fireman working on a small truck. He invited us in! I thanked him, and brought Grafton in for a quick tour. I pointed out the firemens' jackets, boots, and oxygen tanks, and of course the fire engines! He quietly took it all in, remaining uncharacteristically speechless. As we passed by the welcoming fireman, we thanked him again, when he asked Grafton if would like a fireman's hat. Grafton didn't answer, so I graciously accepted the offer for him. With hat in hand, preparing to leave, the fireman asked Grafton if he wanted to sit in a fire truck! Shyly, Grafton whispered a low, "yeah." After opening the door, Grafton bolted up into the back of the cab and jumped up into one of the seats, carefully checking out his surroundings. Of course, he didn't want to get out, but after a little while I lifted him down. Apparently, it was a slow evening at the fire house, because Grafton was then offered to ring the (decorative but functional) bell on the front of one of the fire engines, which he did. Then the fireman opened another garage door bay, got in the second fire truck, and put on the emergency lights for Grafton's enjoyment. I'd say Grafton was enjoying all of this, but there was more! Next, Grafton was offered to get in the drivers seat of the fire truck, which he enthusiastically accepted. Up in the seat, Grafton was turning the steering wheel and forcefully manipulating the turn signal (I thought he was going to break it). I thanked the firemen a few more times, but on our way out, he brought us to the ambulance parked outside, which Grafton also got to "drive", and then we were allowed to peek in the back, where we saw the empty stretcher and all of the medical equipment. What a tour! We were invited to come back anytime.

After our long evening out, we finally headed home for a quick lasagna dinner, a book, and then off to bed.

Mom's away tomorrow evening as well, so I'll have to figure out how the two boys can have even more fun tomorrow.