Our Little Rascals: Our Visit with Thomas

Last Friday before we even went to sleep the kids were already dressed for the next day. They were already for us to scoop them up at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, so they could continue sleeping in the car for our trip. Well, it didn't work that way because each of them was so excited to go see Thomas the Train and just couldn't wait. We drove up to Lancaster, Pa to the Strasburg Railroad where the Day out with Thomas Event took place. It was a beautiful and fun filled day. We were on the second train out that early morning with Thomas. The kids had a blast and got to take part in riding the Hand Car, Car Train and the small locomotive they had there.

The kids riding with Paul on the Hand Car.

The boys riding the car train.

Afterwards we drove to Kitchen Kettle where they were celebrating their 7 Sweets and Sours festival, while we picnicked and shopped. Paul probably would strangle me for including this story. Parking was really tight and there was a lady that was having trouble backing out. So nicely he went over to help her out and motioned to her to go slowly then showing he the distance. Just as she slammed her foot on the gas and quickly ran into a wooden sign. Thankfully there wasn't any damage. Everyone's mouth flew open and of course Justin so loudly "Oh Oh...that can’t be good!". Be seen and not heard...might have been a good time to exercise that one!

Then at the last minute we decided to go to the Village Greens putt putt course to let the kids play their very first game. My parents took me when I was a little girl and the last time we had gone was before we were married. I was so happy to see that it hadn’t changed at all. Justin was really good and kept up with the game. We lost Ryan about half way through when he noticed that the other people playing had golf balls our same color. He would take off after them trying to pick them up thinking they were ours. Thankfully there were a lot of nice people that didn't mind our sudden excursions across their green. Darin just laughed and took it all in as we played the 23 hole course. All the hard work made us hungry as we took off to enjoy an Amish Buffet that even Darin dug into! - Below is a picture taken of all of us under the waterfall hole. I had trouble getting one of Justin putting since he was so quick. Check out Ryan's 18" putter if it was even that long. They really accommodated everyone there.

Our church has a Community Day carnival once a year in the fall. Last year I had to enjoy it from the car, as I was pregnant with Darin. This year even Darin got to enjoy it and take his very first pony ride. Justin loved the pony ride too, however, Ryan was not too trilled. - Below Darin patiently waits for his first ride!