Sanitation Infatuation

The love for garbage trucks and garbage day runs deep in this house (see this post from two years ago for more garbage truck love). Tuesdays (trash and recycle day) have always been a big deal around these parts. If we don't see the garbage or recycle men make their rounds it is a disappointing day for Marcus.

When I learned the L.A. Sanitation department was hosting an open house I knew we simply could not miss it. The opportunity to get up close to garbage trucks was just something I knew my little guy would love.

Before heading to the event I had pretty low expectations. I mean, how much can possibly happen at garbage truck open house?

Apparently, a lot. I was totally blown away by how awesome the event was.

We were greeted with free meal tickets (I had no idea we'd be eating lunch fo' free! We weren't six steps into the event and it had already won me over) and a plastic hard hat for Marcus to wear while he "operated" the machinery.

Then we were off, climbing in and out of trucks, moving different pieces of equipment, and honking horns (so much honking, so, so loud).

My child was in heaven.

He thought it was all just the coolest.

Apparently this blue truck sucks up big water/liquid spills. My guys were able to manipulate the hose so it would fit over the orange cone.

This particular truck is the kind that picks up our trash and recycle. Both Marcus and Scott were able to test out the arm that lifts the bins and dumps them out. I think they both thought it was pretty cool.

I have honestly never seen my child more excited about anything. He was thrilled to be there, and literally bouncing up in down in anticipation as he waited in each line to climb into the trucks.

We even had a photo op with our very own recycle collector.

We see this gentleman every Tuesday. I think he might be Marcus' idol.

Before we left we were sure to hit up a few vendor tents where Marcus scored free mini trash and recycle bins. You'd think the kid hit had won the lottery.

Those bins and plastic hard hat have been played with for hours - HOURS - since the open house.

The actual truck was a birthday gift last year, but the bins and hat are the newest additions to the beloved sanitation toys.

Marcus insists he must wear the hard hat when he plays with his dump truck.

For this little dude, it might have been the best day ever.

I wouldn't be surprised if he decided he wants to be a trash truck driver when he grows up...