A Day Out With Thomas - May 23rd

We thought this train ride was expensive, but it has paid dividends for many months afterwards. Nearly every day Preston comes up to me or Doug and says, "We rode on Thomas today." We talk to him about it and he is always very excited. It was well worth the money paid for the happiness it created. Paige is shown here enjoying the last of a huge puff of cotton candy.

The train ride lasted about 25 minutes. We saw a lot of people looking out their windows as we puffed by their homes showing their kids the train. Thomas was at the front end of the train for show and another engine was at the back and actually pulled the train, but the kids don't need to know that. As long as they've seen Thomas attached to the train, as far as they're concerned they're 'Riding on Thomas'.

Preston sat with his face against the glass enjoying every bit of his ride.

After our ride we were able to go and climb on other trains that were in the yard.

There was a booth set up with all kinds of Thomas toys to play with. This was a popular attraction. Preston got upset that another kid was already playing with the Thomas train, so he found this boxcar that looked like the one we rode and he was thrilled with it. Even after Thomas was available (because mommy watched the little boy who was playing with it closely and when he had to go potty, mommy nabbed Thomas), Preston wanted the boxcar - and after all that watchful work!

Preston wanted to go around and around the table with his boxcar. He didn't care who was in his way. Adults move and are understanding, but never mind the little baby who couldn't walk yet. Yes, Preston tried to push her out of the way too. Her grandma picked her up when Preston came around and put her back when he went through. It's nice when people understand and help the situation instead of getting upset.

A long day for dad.

Paige spent a lot of time building the perfect Thomas train car. She had a good share of the pieces by the time she was done.

She's very proud of her work.

Bye bye, Thomas. We love you!