National Night Out 2015

National Night Out is one of those nights where it's just fun to be an urban kid.  The fire department comes and blockades the street, they park their rig and open the fire hydrant for the kids to run through and then they let the kids climb up into their truck.  The street is blocked to traffic, so it's safe for SO MUCH FUN on scooters, bikes and even on foot.  The boys had a blast with chasing games up and down the block...living out a desire they feel all year for a few short, satisfying hours.  The adults set up card tables with tablecloths and everyone brings a dish to share and their random assortment of napkins, paper plates, plastic silverware and cups.  It's ramshackle, but it's perfectly lovely.  Amidst feeding four kids, keeping an eye on children spread out across an entire block of street and catching up with our awesome neighbors, I did get a few pictures, particularly of the fire truck part.

Here's where a few jokes could come up..."How many fire fighters does it take to turn the sprinkler valve on a fire hydrant?"  Or, "I sure hope it wouldn't take them this long to hook up a hose!"

You can see Koen waving through the back of the truck.

Tavin was adorable in the cab.  He climbed right in and immediately started making engine noises and driving sound effects.  He was imagining really driving the thing the instant his little bottom hit that driver's seat!

Penn Rye with his side kick Koen.  

Penn in the back doing one of his hilarious squinty smiles.

Some neighbors, some firefighters, Douglas and Janse, all on the scene.

Oh my goodness...could Tavin be any cuter?!

Well, that's it for National Night Out pictures.  We've missed the last two years of National Night Out and I loved being there this year.  It always leaves me so thankful for our neighbors, this community that really cares about where they live and who they live next to.  We are blessed to call this street home and we love our city-living perks!