Air Zoo

Last weekend, we visited the Air Zoo in Kalamzoo.  Last year when we went, Seth wasn't feeling great and the boys weren't interested in the bigger rides.  This year was very different.  The boys were in great moods and even rode some of the bigger rides...with some coaxing.

My favorite things about the Air Zoo aren't the airplanes, but the veterans who volunteer.  This nice man is Larry.  He's World War II veteran and was extremely helpful and willing to share his stories.  He also helped the boys into the helicopter!

Chris and the boys watched a quick show about Pearl Harbor.

On the way to the Air Zoo, the boys were talking about the kinds of airplanes they were going to see.  Seth asked "Will there be a chicken airplane?".  I laughed and told him to not hold his breath.  I was wrong.  Noah is on the left, Seth on the right.

We convinced the boys to ride on several rides.  For this airplane ride, they insisted we sit in the front.  We didn't force them to sit in the back!  For some reason we only got pictures of Seth riding with us.

The hot air balloon ride was fun, but pretty fast.  If you are in the unlucky side of the basket, you went backwards.  That was my spot....both times.

Noah liked the ride, but held on tight.

On the ferris wheel, Noah and I sat in the seat next to Chris and Seth.  They made different faces at us each time we went by.

 Pretty great self-portrait that Chris took of himself and Noah.

 We saw a 3D movie about the Apollo 11 mission.

Noah checked out a flight trainer.  There were several airplanes open for people to climb into the cockpit.  Chris was the only one who would do it...the boys were a little intimidated.  They liked the small trainer cockpits, though.

The 'Space: Dare to Dream' exhibit was new this year and was exceptional.

Noah and Seth trained like an astronaut.  Seth is on the right and has some more work before going into space.  He was supposed to lay on his back on this.  Maybe he was just stretching.

We highly recommend the Air Zoo!

One last note about my amazing family.  On my birthday, I came home from work and was surprised with a princess birthday party.  Chris and the boys decorated the house, had games ready to play and picked up an ice cream cake and yummy treats.  They gave me a crown to wear and the boys made sure I had it on all evening!  Seth and Noah even gave me a card and wrote 'Mommy' on the envelope all by themselves. 

It was a wonderful surprise.  I am so blessed by my boys.  

-Shelby