A Day out with Thomas the Train

This past weekend, we had the chance to do something that has become a Spring-time *Event* for us.

A Day Out with Thomas.

We've gone every year for the past 3 years & I do believe that we will be keeping up the tradition for as long as I can convince everyone involved to participate! It's just a fun day. Around us, it's located in downtown Grapevine, Texas. Thomas the Train and his pint-sized followers take over the (working) train station for 2 weekends every year. 

The main event, naturally, is to take a ride in a train car, pulled by Thomas. But there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do while you are waiting for your train time. 

This year, Jacob's favorite tent was the one with the working train exhibit. I think he, E & my Dad spent most of our time in that tent. Jacob (and everyone else) was mesmerized by the trains going round and round!

There's another tent filled with trains for the ankle-biters to play with & another station (ha!, trains. station. get it?) for story-time when a little down time is needed for the junior engineers.

There's also a chance for the kids to meet Sir Topham Hatt. 

Jacob still won't walk up there by himself.

But. The center piece of the entire day really is Thomas.

When Jacob heard the whistle and saw Thomas coming down the tracks for our turn... well. 

Delight.

Thomas is a welcome event every year.

Don't forget to have your picture taken with Thomas! It's worth the wait.... at least for me & mine!

(You can buy the pictures they take or you can bring your own camera!)

Someone thought he was hot stuff when the conductor came around to check our tickets!

The Thomas ride, itself, is about 25 minutes long. We spent a grand total of 4 (count them!).... 4 hours there this time. If Thomas the train going rolling around you, go check it out! It's a lot of fun!

~Taylor

The Week

So, we're in the midst of what I've been taking to call, "THE WEEK."

Not to sound overly dramatic or anything (because that would be sooo out of character for me!), but this week has been my dread since I learned that it would be THE WEEK. Why is it, THE WEEK?

Well, E is working every. single. day. for about 15 hours. From this past Friday to this coming Saturday (with the exception of the blessed Sunday break). Yikes. E went to bed at 8:30 on Sunday night. And I have seen/and or spoken with him a grand total of 1 minute ever since. (about 2 sentences each yesterday & this morning). I miss my hubby. And it's only Tuesday!

This past Sunday, we went to church & then came home and crashed. I missed a MOPS event that evening that I had been looking forward to. Sad day. I was bummed, but I've realized  more and more how important it is to guard and protect my family's family time as much as I can. I was bummed at missing the Date Night... but, I was so blessed Sunday afternoon and evening with the precious time the three of us had together. It was time spent at the park, riding bikes. And my guys coming home hot & sweaty and smiling like a couple of wet puppy dogs. It was a time of giggling when they both decided to jump in the pool & came out 30 minutes late- teeth chattering. Making cookies with my sous-chef and sitting down for a family dinner.

Next Sunday will be another Family Day. E and I are taking Jacob to see Thomas the Train with Poppi (my dad). Jacob is so stinking excited! He's been talking about springtime & springtime meaning that Thomas would be coming back. He tells me every single day how much he misses Thomas. We're all excited for Sunday to come around.

But, first- we have to survive THE WEEK.

The picture? Oh, just because I want to. :-) I love pictures of my 2 favorite people. They are the loves of my life. What can I say?