the best museum EVER.

after several years of NOT going here, this is yet another milestone in our lives - a year makes a difference!  finally, everyone is old enough to keep their hands to themselves at the appropriate times; know danger (owie); and know to stay together.  these are simple tasks for you and me, but toddlers?!  oh, goodness.

we headed over the the transportation museum.  it's right by the wasilla airport, and as a crow flies, behind our house.  it's only open seasonally, but we bought a membership as we're sure to visit again, like, next week.  we were there for close to 2 hours, but we skipped an entire section of small machinery, aircraft and farming equipment.  

at the entrance, the kiddos spotted a large pile of extra extra large tires and the whole way around the grounds, all i heard about were those damn tires.  but oh, so many fun rigs to admire.  can't wait to visit again.  

     

this made me smile.

my grandfather worked for the dept. of the interior.

 the original tow mater

 already traumatized by the lens.

jack will be 5 this fall, and as much as i can't believe that much time has passed, i also think, man, this has been an incredibly long 4 years and 3 months of naughtiness!  for as sweet and loving as he can be (and now, most of the time is) he also has this defiance to him.  he's strong-willed and sure of himself and his thoughts.  we've come a long way, and i'm so very happy to see such maturity in my little boy.  he cares about his sister and what she's getting into.  he wants so very much to be a part of whatever is going on, whether it's picking up toys in the evening or setting the table for meals.  he shows a huge desire to be responsible.  ben and i are so blessed to call him our son.