The Fireman

"They call me the fireman.
That's my name.
Makin' my rounds all over town.
Puttin' out old flames.

Well everybody'd like to have what I've got.
I can cool 'em down while they're smolderin' hot.
I'm the fireman.
That's my name."
- George Strait






The Dallas Firefighters Museum kept us occupied for a few hours this morning. Housed in the home to Hook and Ladder Company No. 3 that was built in 1907, their collections take you back in time. View a few of the classic pumper carriages or the 1884 horse-drawn steam pumper (valued at well over 1 million dollars I was told), then head up stairs to the old sleeping quarters equipped with the original fireman's brass pole.




Once again, seeming to be the only one who explores museums these days...we were given one-on-one attention by the retired Dallas Fire Fighter working. The boys were able to ring bells, pull alarms, flash lights, and drive the 1951 Fire engine to their imaginary places to put out fires. Per our guide they only have about 300 visitors a month, most being tourist from Europe or China. "Not many locals" he stated. Maybe the word will get out to support this great place of Dallas history. The boys walked away with huge smiles and a Dallas Fire and Rescue t-shirt each!


Today's photos!

Rawhide

"Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Rawhide!

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Though the streams are swollen.
Keep them dogies rollin'
Rawhide!
Rain and wind and weather.
Hell-bent for leather.
Wishin' my gal was by my side.
All the things I'm missin',
Good vittles, love, and kissin',
Are waiting at the end of my ride."
- Frankie Laine



Sorry about the wait but these short clips are definitely worth it...ENJOY!
Big at the Rodeo
Little at the Rodeo

Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

"Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
Don't let 'em pick guitars and drive them old trucks.
Make 'em be doctors and lawyers and such.
Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
They'll never stay home and they're always alone.
Even with someone they love."
- Willie Nelson






I have to admit, we only visited The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame because it was included in our admission to the Science and History Museum. I was surprised with the exhibit and everything it had to offer! A small kids coral is located near the entrance that allows a space for the little ones to play dress-up, color, ride wooden horses, cook dinner on an open fire, sleep in a tee pee, and read some classic western stories. It was a nice quiet break from the crowded hustle and bustle across the street at the other museum.


One of the highlights offered is the Bronc Riding Exhibit. " Take a simulated bucking bronc ride, albeit at a docile pace, on a "bronc" that has been modified from training bulls used by rodeo riders. The visitor's ride is captured on video and composited into footage from an old-time rodeo. Wait just a moment and you will see your movie played back on a television screen." The boys 10 seconds of fame should be available for download tomorrow. I will try to attach it here, but no promises. And yes...that is the boys' beautiful artwork. I was quite impressed with Big's ability to stay in the lines and his choices of color :)

Today's photos!

Walk The Dinosaur

"Boom boom acka-lacka lacka boom.
Boom boom acka-lacka boom boom.

Open the door, get on the floor.
Everybody walk the dinosaur.
Open the door, get on the floor.
Everybody walk the dinosaur."
- Was (Not Was)









Fort Worth's Museum of Science and History was on our agenda today. We arrived close to opening time, hoping to beat the end of summer crowd. And I am glad we did after seeing the lines after lunch! We started in the Dino Dig then attended the 1000 IMAX show Dolphins.







Then we headed downstairs to Kidspace. Here the boys ran wild. Designed for kids under the age of 6, there are more than enough stations to let the imagination run wild. From ATM's, to a market equipped with carts, food, and cash registers, and ending with a water works station, their minds stayed occupied. There is also a puppet theater, face painting station, build-a-house, train table, and Lego station.






We returned upstairs to their "Hands on Exhibit." Stations provide building blocks, musical instruments, and an air table. You can also view the human body, stages of pregnancy (one Big found fascinating), animals of the south west, and dinosaur skeletons. A great place to visit and I may even enroll the boys in Museum School an upcoming summer.

Today's photos!

Stop The Train

"Stop the train I'm leaving
Stop the train I'm leaving
Stop the train I'm leaving
it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong
said it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong"
- Bob Marley







The
Railroad Museum at Fair Park (aka Museum of the American Railroad and Age of Steam Railroad Museum)is an outdoor playground for any train lover. Locomotives, passenger cars, dining cars, and a caboose or 2 fill the yard for you to view at your own pace.






Only a few cars are open for touring the inside and a few others have 'safety stairs' that you can peek in the windows. The rest are for exploring at the ground level. Given that I said this is an "outdoor" playground for train lovers, save this outing for a fall or spring day. The morning heat was still too much to really enjoy this graveyard of trains. They do have a great birthday package for anyone looking for a creative location!

We were definitely spoiled with our previous train museum experience.

Today's photos!

My Fish Family

"They're strange fishes of the deep blue sea.
And absolutely nothing like me...

...they're my fish family.
My fish family."
- Jewel







Not to be confused with the Dallas World Aquarium located in the center of downtown, we visited the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park today as our "cooling off" place. Also located in Fair Park just south east of the city, it is a short drive in 100 degree weather, or an entertaining stroll on a cool day. Here you can see a variety of sea, lake, and river life native to Texas and others from across the globe.








Equipped with steps and hand rails so the smallest visitors can view the aquariums at an eye-level, the boys enjoyed counting the miniature seahorses. They also were fascinated with the shark tanks, swimming turtles, and of course the "Nemo" tank. Many exhibits are currently under construction, but any indoor outing is enjoyable on a hot Texas summer day! Next time we will visit during the daily feedings...1430.

Today's photos!

Leaving On A Jet Plane

"So kiss me and smile for me.
Tell me that you'll wait for me.
Hold me like you'll never let me go.
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane.
Don't know when I'll be back again.
Oh babe, I hate to go."
- John Denver




Today we decided to stay in the neighborhood and tour the C.R. Smith Museum located 3 miles south of DFW Airport. The exhibit is directed towards school age kids and adults, but we managed to stay busy there for over an hour. With only 1 real airplane on display the boys were somewhat disappointed. But it is open for the little imaginations to board, buckle up, and pretend. Of course "our plane" traveled from Finland to Texas as we visited Daddy numerous times!





Equipped with a business class, stadium-seating theater that holds a little over 100 occupants, the boys watched their first movie ever. Granted it was only 16 minutes in length, their attention was captured the entire time as they viewed planes fly over mountains, through the Grand Canyon, and past famous city sky lines. The museum also has a small crayon station where the littlest of fingers can trace an airplane and take the drawing home.


Today's photos!

Home on the Range

"Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam.
Where the deer and the antelope play.
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word.
And the skies are not cloudy all day."
- Brewster Higley






This weeks outing led us to Fossil Rim, a drive through animal wildlife center 90 minutes south-west of DFW. With an admission fee and optional feed bag purchase, each car is allowed to slowly drive the 9 1/2 mile stretch through 1800 acres rolling hills and pastures as animals greet you at your window. The boys loved the true "hands on" experience while staying in the comfort of our own car. And how else should one beat this Texas heat...stay in your car with the AC on full power with the windows down!


We saw zebras, giraffes, rhinos, emu, ostrich, antelope, deer, and cheetahs just to name a few. Mid-way through the route, there is a great shaded picnic area, cafe, souvenir shop, and restrooms to break up the drive. Even though 9 1/2 miles seem like a short distance, it took us over 2 hours to complete the route since the speed limit is only 10 mph, plus stopping to feed/pet the 'friendly' animals.





A highly suggested road trip for kids of any age. Pack a lunch, some antibacterial wipes and have a great day! The boys favorite part was bouncing around the back seat unrestrained (the first time ever) while we were in the park.

Today's photos!