We recently took a quick little day trip to visit a friend of ours at the local Coast Guard Air Station in Clearwater and had the best time while he took us around to see everything! The kids had a blast climbing in and out (and all around the inside) of the huge Hercules C-130, in the helicopters and touring just about every part of the grounds (mainly because the littles kept asking to stay longer and didn’t want to leave!).
First, it was just a really good time, but it was also such a beautifully eye opening experience. It was so fascinating to get a good look behind the scenes of what goes into protecting and guarding our coasts, what these men and women do day-in and day-out to serve our country and how much happens that we don’t even realize. I think on of my absolute favorite moments (well, besides just watching the squeals and excitement on my kids faces at just about every new thing) was seeing a wall in one of the hangars with each year and a ticker that showed how many lives saved. Due to where it was located, I couldn’t take a photo, but that doesn’t mean it’s not etched in my memory banks. I loved watching our friend swell up with pride in the fact that he plays a part in those numbers, and how grateful he was that because of new technologies and abilities, the number of lives saved is so much higher this year than in years past.
A quote I saw recently said, “Fear does not stop death, it stops life.”
I’m so inspired by the many that live their lives fearlessly to save a life, and even if I don’t put my life on the line like they do, I can still make the choice in my daily life… live fearlessly and bravely to save another. You know, sometimes lives are saved through a smile or a kind gesture. Sometimes hearts are changed through an act of brave love. We may not live the same life with obvious heroism, but we can live daringly intentional, not trying to be all things to all people… but the right thing to the right people.
With that said, a few photos that I could take, and share…
How sweet are these little darlings!
PS. a few outfit details: My dress from Swell, sandals from Tkees and hat from Target. Jewelry is from Rocksbox (check out my unboxing review here, and use code FreshMommyXOXO for a free month of jewelry!). Skylar’s tank is from Whistle and Flute, the rest of the boy’s clothing from Gymboree. Aliyah’s romper is from H&M (similar here) and combat boots are from Target.
The photos in this post were originally taken with my iPhone and most were posted on Instagram or Facebook.
chris.blue says
Great pics. This was a great day. Made me very proud to be an American.
Reach out and thank a Military person you know and love today.
Parent Club says
Awesome picture in the hanger!
stevebethere says
What fab photos and a nice adventure for him heheh!
Have a planetasti week 🙂
Karren Haller says
What an awesome visit and a great experience for you all, thank you for sharing your family with us, I love to read about your life and adventures! Thank you Tabitha!
Have a great week!
Karren
Patrick Weseman says
What a great experience. Very cool time.
Carla says
Gorgeous photos!
Diana @ Toronto Teacher Mom says
These photos are totally awesome! I want to climb that ladder too!
Tabitha Blue says
Thank you!! Yes, he loved that!!
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) says
c130! I love those planes. I use to work near the air base in my country and our only plane is a C130. But it is an amazing fleet even though we dont have lots of it.
Fritz says
This is fantastic. good for you! I myself am a lover of helicopters, ( i am becoming a pilot with http://www.flyhaa.com/helicopter/courses/) i’m so glad you got the opportunity to check out those planes. i think everyone should be so lucky.