Yesterday started really nice. Beautiful, sunny day. Kids got to play with their friends at a local park and see lots of squirrels. Annika went home with that friend so I thought, "Two babes down for a nap this afternoon so maybe I can take a nap too." Well, that's not exactly what happened.
On my way home from the park, I noticed the gas light was on and so I stopped at the Shell gas station to fill-up. Ava fell asleep so one down. Hooray! I payed for the gas and grabbed the door handle .... it was locked! WHAT?! How did that happen? Keys were in the ignition, how did it lock?! (Not supposed to happen with the Honda. Won't lock if you step out of vehicle. I still can't figure out how it happened.)
Panic striked! My kids are in the car! Gavin couldn't reach the lock because he was strapped in the carseat. The gas attendant watched my kids/car while I ran across the street to the fire station. No answer. Ran back. See fire truck, but they turned into the market. Ran (oh, I am in poor shape). Whistled. They had no way to get into the car, safely. Ran back to the kids. Fire truck followed and they called the police. Police Officer showed up. His tool couldn't get the car to unlock. I then realized the other set of keys should be in the house and I have a code to the garage door. {relief sets in} However, then I realized I had to leave my kids to do this. I was nervous even though I knew they would be safe with the cop. Ava was still sleeping and Gavin just kept repeating "fire truck!" and pointing. They were fine. The firemen told me they would take me home since I was just down the road. I have to admit, even though I was worried about my kids and the situation, I was also excited. How many people get to ride in a firetruck and wear a headset! So cool! And the firemen were really nice too (no, not physically "nice" -- yah, a shame.) ha ha I digress. So, we get to the house and no keys. More panic. I search everywhere. I call Andy. More panic to have to explain the story and now he is freaking out. Keys are in the diaper bag, which is locked in the van. Aaaahhh! Get back to the car and Gavin woke up when he heard the fire truck. Ava is still asleep. phew. Cop tries a wire coat hanger to unlock the car. A Fireman clipped his finger with the pliers pretty good trying to help cut the coat hanger. Nothing is opening the car. Tow truck service called. 15 minutes later the tow truck shows up. He grabs his pump, wedge, and hook and in 35 seconds the door was unlocked (the police officer and firemen were timing him). Hallelujah! Ava woke up just then and started crying. I got Gavin out of his car seat so he could look at the firetruck, and give him a big hug. Gavin then became more excited about the tow truck (he'd been looking at the fire truck for an hour so loved seeing something new). He was given a police teddy bear and 2 firefighter stickers. After thanking everyone multiple times and my heart rate now down to normal, we went home to explain everything to Andy. I have to say, the men who helped me were great. The way I stayed calm was to laugh and joke with them while waiting for the car to be opened (I get that from my dad).
Later, Gavin and I made cookies instead of a nap (he wouldn't go down). After picking up Annika and dance class, we dropped a plate of cookies off to the firemen as a thank you. They were excited to see the kids again and let them explore the firetruck for a half hour. Annika sat in the front seat and turned on/off the lights a couple times. Gavin just kept saying, "fire truck! so cool!!" They brought out plastic firemen hats for the kids because they couldn't stand that the police officer gave Gavin a teddy bear and all they gave him was a lousy sticker. : ) I also found out I was their second emergency call that day so they were glad to help and have the kids hang out at the station.
So, yes, I learned my lesson -- never leave the keys in the car and to have a hide-a-key somewhere just in case. Oh, and to never let anyone use a wire hanger on my car -- scratches and rubber cut a part. oops!
To end the story, guess what happened today while playing outside in the back with my kids, Tana, and twins --you guessed it -- Camden (2 year old) was the only one inside playing with the cars and locked all of us out. Tana and I tried to get him to unlock the door, but he just looked at us, touching the lock. I couldn't believe this! It was quite funny! No panic this time -- I had a way in. Hooray for the garage door key pad!
I am curious what I can be locked out of tomorrow ....
This day has come ... and now past. I can't believe Annika started Kindergarten already. She was so excited because it meant the bus, the big school, and a new adventure. She loves her teacher, Mrs. Haeckler, and is meeting new friends. Every morning, we race down the street for the bus and it's a thrill every day. The kids run around the tree while waiting, then they cheer for the bus, say good-byes, blow kisses, and wave out the window. Annika is five and growing up so fast. Now, we just need to work on her listening skills .... but that's another post.
I just had to post this picture. Isn't this the cutest? They are Andy's Grandparents who live in Utah. Andy received the photo from an Aunt. I find it very endearing. (The photo is better when enlarged.)
This is mainly for Grandma Merrill so she can see Annika. She is wearing her costume for her performance in June. Pictures were today so I thought I would take some of my own too.
Hooray! We finally got a family picture taken. It only took us 4 1/2 years to do. The last time was when Annika was a few months old. Of course no family photo session goes completely perfect. If it does for you, tell me your secrets. Annika did a great job the whole time. Gavin did great the first 20 minutes, but there are only so many times the photographer can fool him with Elmo blowing off the head and sounds being made when shoes are squeezed. After the 20 minutes, Gavin became restless and I was the lucky one to try and pin him down. But what does the photographer expect with all the fun props staring him in the face -- bikes, benches, toys, etc. They all were calling his name. And Ava, well, she just wouldn't smile for anyone. If you know her, you would be shocked because she is always full of smiles. But for the entire hour she wouldn't pull a smile. Not for me, Andy, photographer, grandparents ... no one. Some of the shots she had looks like, "What am I doing here?" and "Can we just go now"? Out of the 15 or so "best" shots, this was the final choice. This was near the end so Gavin was squirming, but he did smile. And Ava had just eaten so she has a slightly nicer look (she is adorable though even without the smile). It's done! And hopefully we can get another one before 4 years pass.
