Aerospace Museum With Grandpa!

The next day, January 19th 2014, we chose to take my dad to the Aerospace Museum. It's actually something that we've wanted to do since the first time we went there. My dad spent several years in the United States Air Force before I was born. He wasn't a pilot but he flew in the RC-130a, RC-130b, and the EC-121. The EC-121 was called the Triple Nickel because the tail number was 555. 

One thing I always remember about my dad is how much he loves the different jets and planes. I think he was pretty excited when we brought up the idea of going to the museum. His face really lit up and was all smiles as we pulled into the parking lot.

One of the reasons I like taking the kids to this museum is because it is open and the younger kids can walk around and explore with plenty of space. They have many planes that are open to go inside and take a look or you can peek inside the windows. Daddy was just like a kid in a candy store. Each plane brought a new excitement or memory. At first we tried to stay together as a family but the kids started to get restless because grandpa and I would take our time with each plane that we came too. Ron could see that my dad and I were really enjoying the time together so he took the kids on up ahead so we could continue without being rushed.

Daddy seemed to be flooded with memories. It was great and really neat to see. He would go stand next to a plane and then ask me to take a photo. Each one had some kind of meaning to him. After he spoke with the volunteers there and said that he was a fellow veteran of the Air Force they kind of turned their eyes and let him get up close to many of the planes. He was having so much fun(we actually stayed until closing time) and I will be forever thankful that I was able to share this moment with him. 

I love my daddy! I'm also glad that our kids got to experience something their grandpa loves with him. I wish we had more time with him so he could tell them of his time in the service. Hopefully one day he will be able to do just that.

It was such a great way to spend the day. I love making memories with the ones who mean the most to me. Can't wait to do it again!

The California Auto Museum With Grandpa!

 

While we were at the auto museum in Reno I kept thinking of my dad and how much he would love to see all the different cars. We brought my dad out to stay with the boys while we were in Reno. We purposely planned on him staying a couple extra days so that we could have some time with him as well. It was perfect! So on January 18th, 2014 we all went to the California Auto Museum in Sacramento with Grandpa. 

It's definitely not as big as the museum in Reno but it was just as fun. There were a lot more hands on exhibits at this museum which the kids seemed to enjoy. Grandpa loved playing with the exhibits too. It was a fun walk through memory lane for him. He remembered growing up with a lot of the cars that were there.

We had a great flashback to the past. It was a day filled with nostalgia and I loved being able to share that with my dad.  I'm so glad that our kids are able to make memories such as this with their grandpa. It's always been so important to me. And I know the kids love it too.

Happy 9th Anniversary To Us!

This year we celebrated our anniversary early. We chose to go to Reno, Nevada. It was a fun little trip. We left on January 14th, 2014 and came home on the 17th. Ron was able to get a pretty good deal at the Siena hotel where we stayed. Sometimes traveling a lot for work has its perks.

It was our first time staying in Reno. We've stopped and passed through on our way to and from Utah. But we've never actually stayed overnight. So with the nickname of "The Biggest Little City In The World" we knew that I would want to walk around at night to see the lights and try my best to get some photos. I loved the bright and fun colors. But it was really cold. We didn't stay out to long. There was no snow, much to our dismay, but it was still a cold January night. It was also our first time staying in a hotel casino so we had some fun gambling. They gave us a gift card for the casino so we used that on the penny slots. We laughed and cheered and cashed out when we got like 80 cents. I think we still have that ticket somewhere. The plan was to frame it. That is such a funny memory.

The National Automobile Museum was just a short walk from our hotel. It's a great museum for anyone who is a car enthusiast. We love history and so it was really fun for us to go back in time with all these amazing cars and trucks.

We took the guided tour and then went back and looked closer at the ones that really caught our eyes. There were so many that I loved and was fascinated with. It was really neat to walk through and see the evolution of the automobile.

Along with the museum we went on one of our long drives to no where in particular. I love going on those rides. We just get in the car and go where ever and explore and just talk about whatever. It will always be one of my favorite things to do with Ron. We also stopped at a thrift store. You can always find a treasure in the thrift store.  I found a set of books that I remember my dad getting for us kids but he ended up selling them later on. I was so happy to find them. I loved those books and I can't wait to share them with our kids.

When it was time to go back home we drove through and made a quick stop at Lake Tahoe. We stopped at a Starbucks so Ron could call into a meeting for work. Then we drove by the lake to enjoy some fresh mountain air for a few minutes. We didn't have much time to stay but it was still a beautiful moment. I love the peace and serenity of the mountains. Our world is a beautiful place. 

It was a wonderful few days away and as much I didn't want it to end I was happy to see my boys again. Happy Anniversary Sweetheat! I love you always and forever!