All Aboard!

Sunday we took a road trip up to Chattanooga, Tennessee to see none other than Thomas the Train! We've been before to see Thomas twice, but those times probably aren't a memory for Preston since he was so small. And, since Preston adores Thomas more than any child we know, we decided we'd go for one last trip to see him since Preston is now at the age he can really take it all in.

Preston was very excited the whole time. We didn't even take the stroller. He was such a big boy!

The boys loved playing on the train tables they had set up. And, their sweet Daddy spoiled them by buying them each a new train. Preston picked Edward and his coal tender, and Jackson got Bill and Ben. They were dressed for the day complete with their train whistles. They swore Thomas "heard" them when Thomas would blow his whistle back at them.

They also got tattoos. Preston chose Percy, and Jackson got Salty. How cute, huh?

The depot we were at is actually the oldest train depot that still operates in the south. There were lots of trains other than Thomas there yesterday operating, and at first Preston was scared when one sped past us. I don't think he realized how loud trains were up close like that. By the end of the day though, he was accustomed to it, and like I told Paul, I think Preston could have lived there. He loved the whole idea.

One black train sped past us carrying freight cars, and Preston yelled out, "Dere's Emwee!" (there's Emily) Emily is green, but hey, close enough. Bystanders heard Preston and giggled.

It was such a memorable day. I love family events like that. We were right that Preston would enjoy it more than before. This time when he saw Thomas coming at us, he literally started shaking with excitement. I could feel him shivering in my arms. He was in a frenzy searching for his whistle to blow back at Thomas. It was priceless.

We drove back through treacherous weather, although thankfully all it did was sprinkle on us during the event. We are very grateful God spared us from being in the center of really bad weather.

Thank you, Lord, for such a blessed day!