Tuesday, February 24, 2009

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

We were in Target yesterday and Noah spotted this little bag with rubber toys. Meant to be tub toys, I think, but it had a plane, a firetruck, a police truck, and a car in it. And it was only 2.98 on clearance, so I got it. We got our 2.98 worth of fun out of it already in one day. His favorite one was the yellow plane. He loves planes. Every time he hears one go over head, he stops and looks for it. He loves anything that makes noise. Planes, Trains, Trucks, Cars....just loves it. This morning when he got here, the first thing he wanted was that little yellow airplane. I got the idea to take him over to the Corona Airport here in town, to see the planes. I didn't know how close we could get, or how many would be flying in and out, but it proved to be a jackpot day! First off, the weather was delightful. About 75, clear and beautiful. We got there, and just started to stroll on over to the planes. He was immediately interested, and his head was like a bobble head doll, going from side to side, watching them take off and land. The pilots were so nice to him. Almost every one of them waved and got his attention in some way. We were standing right next to the tarmac. He was just in heaven. Then after about an hour of watching, a nice man came over to us and asked me if I would like to take him to see his plane in the hangar and get some pictures. I said YES!!! So off we went. It was perfectly safe, there were a lot of people, and a lot of activity. Many of the hangars were open and had planes being worked on or washed. We walked over, and this nice gentleman, whose name I later learned was Bob, showed Noah his plane. We walked into his hangar and there it was, painted in UCLA colors, shiny and spit and polish clean!! He opened it up and let him sit in the seat. At first Noah was a bit reluctant. But after talking to Bob a while, Noah warmed up and wanted to see and TOUCH everything! I kept saying, no touching, just looking. And Bob kept saying, oh no, he can't hurt a thing. He reminded me so much of my Dad!! Bob's hangar was meticulously kept. He had sofas, and chairs, and a huge bulletin board with all of the many pics of his years of flying, and the places he had been. He said he learned to fly at 12! His family grew up in Fullerton, near where I did, and he has kids my age and 9 grandchildren. He was a very soft spoken and kind man. I could have listened to him all day. He let Noah play, and toot the horn, and then he took him over to his other toy. A 1972 Honda, with a Kawasaki motorcylce engine, also in pristine condition! He opened the door for Noah to go in and again Noah got to sit behind the wheel, toot the horn, turn on the radio, shift gears, and climb all over that little car. It wasn't much bigger than him. Like a Smartcar, I think. All the while with the hugest smile on his face. And never letting go of his little yellow airplane! It was such a fun morning. I am not sure who had more fun, me or Noah. A toss up I think. Bob told us to come back any time. I did have to take Noah away, kicking and screaming. But still it was okay. We will go back again. And we will look for Bob. I will bring him a little something to say thanks. We strolled back to the the cafe, and I ordered a grilled cheese to go with extra pickles for Noah. It came to 3.73!!!!
Can you believe that! We got into the car, he had his sippy of water, and got his pacy and nite-nite, and was sound asleep before we got even half way home.
LittleYellow Airplane-2.98
Trip To Corona Airport-Free
Grilled Cheese & Fries ToGo-3.73
Entire Fieldtrip-PRICELESS!!!!!


















7 comments:

Kristi said...

How fun is that? I love the last pic of him still holding his yellow airplane. What a cutie!!

Maryrose said...

Very very cute post. What a fun filled day for Noah and Grandma. I'm with Kristi, I love the pic of him holding the little yellow plane. Good memories ......

Lauri said...

What a great day and a great memory for you to have together. You really did hit the jackpot!!!!

deb said...

What a NICE man he must have been!!!!!! what a great day you two had!!!!!

Genn said...

Looks like that was right up Noah's alley. I can tell by the sleeping pictures that he loved it.

Maybe next time we can come. Hannah would probably love it too.

Kris said...

Yes, I hope you can come next time too. Hannah would have really liked it!
We'll do it again soon.

Kelly said...

Thats my moms hang out with Derek as well. He loves it there. They always eat at the little cafe there... its SO yummy! They make home-made jam! I'm glad Noah loved it.