Craig and I often talk about how our city doesn't have a lot to offer, but there are few gems that we tend to exploit to their fullest. This weekend, we decided to visit one of the places that this city has really done well - the Naval Air Station Museum. It is free to the public, and it's collection of all aviation and war memorabilia rivals that of the Aviation Museum of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
We had taken Canon a couple of times before, but he was just over 1 at the time so this visit seemed like his first time. He soaked in everything with all of the excitement that you would expect of a four year old boy who was able to sit in real airplanes and pretend to fly.
He was initially overwhelmed, as I think most people are when they walk into the building for the first time.
He quickly dove in, though, and began exploring every nook and cranny.
I don't think that any young boy's childhood is complete without posing on top of a bomb. Wait, what?
This particular exhibit is a replica of a military base during war. It shows a bar that would serve our boys on their "down time". It gives an example of living quarters, complete with pictures of "a girl worth fighting for". Sometimes, it was their wife or girlfriend, but there were plenty of "pin-ups" too. There is also a set up of the defense center, complete with tank and machine gun. And of course, a barber shop to ensure that everyone kept a clean face and hair. To-Jo's gave Canon such a close shave I don't think he will need one for another, oh, 12 years or so.
Of course, any exhibit that was "hands-on" was especially exciting for him. Here, he drove the ship and ordered everyone around him to "hoist the sails!", "swab the deck", and "secure the riggers!". He was the hit of the exhibit, but he didn't seem to notice.
By far, his favorite was pretending to fly the fighter jets. He actually spent a good chunk of time pretending to man a Blue Angel.
So when we got to see some Blue Angels in person, he was beside himself - after getting over a height issue. He is dealing with some major fear issues that I will discuss at a later date.
This museum always serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices our military men and women have made, and continue to make, for our country. I beam with pride at the courage and dedication displayed in every plaque, flight suit, ship, and plane on display here. If you are ever in the area, you should definitely plan on a day's trip here.
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