Trains, Trains, and More Trains

I’ve let another month almost escape me, without a blog.  We’ve been taking advantage of these last beautiful weeks left of summer.  Our garden has grown and is leaving us with a great supply of potatoes and tomatoes for the winter.

Eric was outgrowing his crib quickly, as he figured out how to climb out and we felt it was more dangerous to keep him in it.  We ordered his “big boy” bed a couple months ago and Eric was thrilled when it arrived.  

He loves all the new space and of course the train bedding I found, keeps him saying choo choo all night long.

We were excited and surprised to have Aunt Kelly (Ken’s sister) come for a visit for a couple days.  We enjoyed her whirlwind stay, as we kept her busy from morning till night   We ventured out to the Museum of Nature and Science, which the kids just loved. 

Kelly even volunteered to stay with the kids, as Ken and I ventured out to a movie (a rare opportunity).  The kids loved spending time with Aunt Kelly and we sure appreciated the chance to get away briefly as a couple.  Thanks again Aunt Kelly!!

As the last few weeks of summer are coming to a close, we realized we have been so busy running through life we haven’t spent much time together as a family.  We decided to just get away for a weekend, so we headed to Colorado Springs.  Colorado Springs had the most to offer and we took advantage of all the activities for the kids. 

The kids were thrilled to take a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.  I arranged for breakfast in the Vista Dome car, so we could see the complete view.  

We were also able to walk out into the open air car, during the trip.  The whole trip was one of the highlights of the month.  The scenary was gorgeous, food was great, and the kids had a blast.  Eric and Ella couldn’t get enough of the view.

 After naptime, we took the kids to the Cave of the Winds.  I wasn’t sure how the kids would do, but they really enjoyed it.  Ella learned about all kinds of different rock formations and really wants to go spelunking when she gets older.  I’m sure Eric would be happy to join her, so stay tuned in future years for family adventures in the caves.

We found a great church in Colorado Springs, which we always like to visit when we’re in town.  So, after a morning at Church we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon at Santa’s Workshop.  The last time we were at Santa’s workshop, Ella was just a few months older than Eric is now.  We loved all the rides that both kids were able to enjoy, as the park was really made for the youngest of riders. Ella’s favorite was this twisty slide, which she rode repeatedly.

Ella was also so excited to show Eric all the rides

 We were all exhausted by the end of the weekend, but we had a blast.  The kids did great and we enjoyed spending some much needed quality time together. 

I write this blog less than four weeks from Eric’s 2^nd birthday.  We really don’t know where the time has gone.  In the blink of an eye our baby boy, has turned into a full fledged toddler.  We’re making plans for his Thomas the Train birthday party on October 15th, so mark your calenders. 

A few weeks ago, I saw an ad for a Day Out With Thomas the Train and knew the kids would love to attend.  So, we spent this past Saturday with Thomas at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado.  The kids had fun viewing all the different trains at the museum and they both just lit up when they saw Thomas.  

The Thomas ride didn't compare to the Royal Gorge Ride, but the kids had fun none the less.  They were just thrilled to be riding with Thomas.