A Day out With Thomas

As I mentioned in my previous post, we took the boys for a ride on Thomas The Train yesterday.  We started on the road around 10am.  Our tickets were for the 3:15 trip, but it's about a 2.5 hour drive, and we wanted to take our time.  We took the scenic route through the mountains, which is always worth the extra time.  Both boys got a little sleep on the way, and we made one pit stop at a ranger station.  At one point, LW started repeating "Thomas? Where are you?" over and over.  Really cute, if you can imagine his two year old voice.  Lunch was interesting - LW ate like it was his last meal, JT had about two bites.  Maybe he was just too excited and nervous.  When we got to the station, it was obvious parking was going to be a difficult task.  But we finally discovered a poorly signed lot, that landed us right behind the station!  Thomas was there when we arrived, but soon left on a trip, which led JT to have a pretty good meltdown.  It seemed like no matter what we said, he was convinced that we had missed our turn to ride!  Eventually he did calm down, and we made our potty stops, picked up our tickets, and checked out some of the activities.  Then Thomas came back.  JT and LW were beyond excited.  Can you tell?

Once they calmed down a bit, we meandered our way over to Thomas and boarded.  LW went right up the stairs and chose the first seat he came to.  Have I mentioned how excited they were?  We had about 10 minutes until the train left, so there was a lot of "sit down" and "keep your hands and head inside" being said.  But eventually it was time.  Thomas' whistle sounded, and the old train started moving (and squeaking and creaking).  Unfortunately, the seats LW chose were not on the scenic side - we had a lovely view of several backyards, trailer parks, parking lots and dumpsters.  But the train was not overly crowded so it was easy enough to look out the window on the other side and see the beautiful mountains (and ominous dark clouds).  But I don't think the boys cared what they saw, as they seemed enthralled by all of it.

 

It's only about a 25 minute ride, and it goes by quickly when you're wrapped up in your children's excitement.  As we pulled back into the station, those dark clouds opened up and it started to rain.  It wasn't too bad, so we had time to dash over to the "Imagination Station" tent without getting drenched.  This tent was full of hands on activities for the kids, a train table, a lego table, arts and crafts, face painting and temporary tattoos. They boys occupied themselves for quite some time.  The train table was the HOT spot...a line of little boys and girls, all with their hand on a train, going around the table.  There were also a couple of bouncy houses, and JT had fun on one of those.  I saw something about a huge old tortoise roaming around, but we didn't see him.

Eventually it was time to go.  The activities were coming to an end, and the thunder was rumbling.  JT asked if he could say good night to Thomas, so we headed back to see him.  There was a bench for picture taking, and they both were happy to do so.  Even though they had official photographers, they also allowed you to take your own pictures (thankfully...the cheapest package was $16 for two 5x7's!).

You can see how happy our two little boys still were!  JT keeps asking when we'll go back.  We decided to start heading home before stopping for dinner.  On the ride home , when LW wasn't nodding off, he'd all of sudden start asking about Thomas, much to the chagrin of his older brother.  We had a bit of a difficult time finding an appropriate spot for dinner - there weren't many to choose from off the highway that were appropriate (i.e. we were hot and sweaty and had two tired kids so no five star restaurants for us), plus we hadn't figure out the points of interest feature on our GPS yet, so we ended up not stopping until we were about a half hour from home!  However, we now know to choose "on route" instead of "near current location" when searching for a place to eat.  And we also need to turn the volume up so we'll hear when it tells us the exit is coming up.  Live and learn!

We didn't get home until just past nine (we had issues at dinnertime despite a certain 4 year olds promises that he would eat a good supper - that he chose), so the boys didn't get to bed until about 10PM - WAYYYY past their bed time.  Silly me had hopes that this would be the time they actually slept a little later in the morning to make up for the late bedtime.  Instead, they were up bright and early as usual. So back to the grind it was for us today.  But we had a really good day, and I'm so glad I chose to spend my birthday the way we did.  I'd do it again in a heart beat!

Happy Birthday...

...TO ME!  Well, tomorrow it will be my birthday.  As for my age, I can still say I am in my 30's!!! I'm guessing the picture above was taken when I was about 3..or 2?  I don't really know.  My mom might know, but it's a little late to call.  In any case, I was young once, but not anymore.  We're taking the boys for a ride on Thomas the Train.  It was supposed to be a surprise, but I let it slip last night, and now JT is saying he's "shy" and "not sure" about it.  But he's definitely excited.  LW has no clue what I'm talking about, but I can already hear him repeating "TRAIN!!!" over and over and over when we get there.  He's a bit of a train nut.  It should be fun.  It's up in a beautiful area we haven't visited in quite some time, so the 2+ hour ride to get there should pass quickly enough. As long as we don't get too much rain. After all this dry weather we've had lately, it finally rained today and we may get some more tomorrow.  I purposely chose my birthday out of the two available weekends, because I wanted to do SOMETHING on my birthday, even if it's more about the boys than me.  Their happiness makes me happy.

I thought for sure I'd get another post in this week, but here it is a week since my last post.  We've  had a fun summer week, despite the heat.  We went to the splash park again this past Tuesday - the hottest day so far at 98 degrees.  Luckily it always seem to be windy there, so it wasn't too unbearable.  Except that I had to keep chasing after LW as he either took food from strangers, or decided it was his turn to use their toys.  Most of the parents are pretty nice, and said it wasn't a problem, they had plenty.  But that's not exactly the point.  And it's not like I didn't come prepared with food of our own.  I guess it always looks and tastes better when it's somebody else's, even if it's just a cracker.  We also had a play date over at a friend's house.  They have one of those small blow up pools with a filter, so they spent a lot of time in there.  Unfortunately I forgot the swim diapers.  Ever seen a water-logged disposable diaper before?  It's quite a sight, especially when a child is attempting to walk around in it!  I also discovered this week that I like Swiss Chard - sauteed in olive oil, garlic and lemon.  My next "new" food, courtesy of the CSA, will be Okra.  I've gotten a few ideas on how to cook it from some friends. My only memories of eating Okra are from the Cajun stew my mom would make.  We pronounced it "Ka-John", and it was really gumbo.  Silly New Englanders!

So what's next on my list?  Seeing as my next birthday will be a "big one", I'm setting some goals for myself.  I'm not quite daring enough to put them out there for everyone to see.  Hopefully that won't be my downfall, but if history proves correct, the "pressure" of other people knowing will actually make me LESS likely to accomplish them.  I spend my time stressing over what others will think, as opposed to actually doing something.  So for now, I'm keeping them to myself, and I'll see where I am in a year.  And maybe then I'll be ready to share them with my readers.

Things you don't really need to know about me but I'm going to tell you anyway.

I stole this from Audrey over at Barking Mad.  I wasn't tagged so I won't tag anyone.  I just think these things are fun!

1. It's 2AM and you are not home. You are more than likely:
It's unlikely I'm not home at 2AM, but I'd probably be visiting a relative.  I probably haven't been out that late since college! 
2. What's the last thing you spent more than $100 on?
Our CSA membership
3. What do your bank checks look like?
Cute froggies on them
4. Where did the shirt you are currently wearing come from?
Target, I think.  I'd rather not take it off or contort my body to look at the tag.
5. Name something that will be on your Christmas wish list:
Goodness that's a long way off.  My birthday is closer..I'd like a good point and shoot digital camera, for times when I don't feel like lugging the DSLR around.  Or a new iPod touch so I don't have to look at the cracks on my screen anymore.  While I'm wishing, I'd also like an iPad. Oh and World Peace, just so  you don't think I'm shallow or anything.
6. What color is your toothbrush?
Purple and white (shocking, I know!)
7. Name something you collect and tell us about it.
Cookbooks.  It's a real problem, but I can't help it. 
8. Last restaurant you ate at. Who were you with? How was it?
I think it was Weathervane (seafood).  With JC and the kiddos for JC's birthday.  It was delicious!  And thankfully fairly empty so we were not overly embarrassed when JT asked quite loudly "Who farted?" (it was his little brother by the way)
9. Who was the last person you bought a birthday card for?
I believe that would be JC. 
10. What is your worst bad habit?
There are so many, it's hard to choose.  But I'll go with staying up too late.  I have small children that get up at ungodly hours, I should know better.  THANK GOD for coffee!
11. Name a magazine you subscribe to?
Taste of Home, and the one they used to call Light and Tasty, but I can't remember the new title.  As with my cookbooks, I don't usually cook the recipes, but I get ideas
12. Your favorite pizza toppings?
Black olives, onions, mushroom, and sweet peppers.  Though I like to try funky combos when i see them. I like lots of different stuff on my pizza.
13. Whose number were you looking up the last time you used a phone book?
 I have absolutely NO idea!!
14. Other than family, who is the person that you love most?
I can't name just one, but I'll name a group.  My imaginary friends (pretty sure they're all actual people though). 
15. What is the last thing you cooked?
Scallops for lunch yesterday.  I warmed up frozen Mac and Cheese for dinner last night, so I won't count that.
16. Name something you wouldn't want to buy used?
Feminine products
17. Which shoe do you put on first?
My right.  I think.
18. What is the last thing you remember losing?
The key to my car.  It's in the house...somewhere. I used to take it off the chain so I could pre-warm it up in the winter.  I have been using the valet key for months now.  I miss the remote open and lock buttons.
19. What is the ugliest piece of furniture in your house?
Probably the gold loveseat.  But it was my grandparents' and is about 50 years old and still going strong so it's not going anywhere!
20. Last thing you bought and ended up returning?
Something I actually rememembered to return....hmmmm..I think it was the extra winter jacket I bout LW at the beginning of winter when I couldn't decide which size to get him.
21. What perfume/cologne do you wear? If none, why?
I don't wear perfume often anymore, but when I do it's usually Estee Lauder "Beautiful."
22. Your favorite board game?
 Trivial Pursuit, but it's hard to get people to play with me!

23. What was the last board game you played?
 Candyland
24. Where did your vehicle come from?
the dealership about 2 miles away.  but it was "pre-owned"
25. If a movie was made about your life what would the theme song be?
The Hokey Pokey. Because that's what it's all about!
26. You're sad, who can cheer you up easily?
That would have to be my Sister in law S!
27. What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to?
I have no idea!  I remember the bride's dress though.
28. What house cleaning chore do you hate to do the most?
It's a tie...between all of them.
29. What is your favorite way to eat chicken?
Straight from the crockpot.  Don't even need any seasoning. Deeeeeelish!
30. It is your birthday. You hope the cake is?
Big, chocolate, with traditional frosting, not that silly whipped cream stuff which isn't even frosting!