Our Day Out with Thomas....and Gabriel....and Horsey

Guess who we spent our last Saturday in April with?!

If you have a kiddo who loves trains and you've heard that Day Out with Thomas is coming to a railroad station near you, I actually recommend purchasing the over-priced ticket. Couldn't pay enough to see the one million smiles on Judah's face that day. Oh, and for all you practical mama's out there~the event is very well organized and there is much more to do than a 30-minute train ride. We met Thomas at Baltimore's B&O Railroad Museum...another must-see if you're in our neck of the woods...Thomas or no Thomas.

First things first~riding on the train Thomas was "pulling." Once inside the train, this concept was a little difficult for Judah to grasp but luckily we were on the first car, so he got to see the bright blue engine through the door.

Not really sure that mattered, though. He just thought it was cool to be riding a train. The only "train" Judah knows is the DC Metro (subway) and let's face it, it's not quite the same :-)

Fortunately, Judah's best buddy Gabriel was able to sit with us. My child literally explodes with excitement each time he's with Gabriel.

{Yes, Gabriel and Judah are the same age and yes, they are both Ethiopian (I know you were wondering:-). I'm incredibly blessed by a friendship with Gabriel's mama, and we think our little boys have a special bond.}

While riding the train, there was music and a Thomas story over the speaker....complete with "peep peeps" and steam from Thomas' tank seen from the windows. And we can't forget the conductor who punched our ticket (Judah thought this was awesome) and gave the passengers a certificate at the end.

Is it just me, or does this conductor actually look like Sir Topham Hat?!

After the ride, Judah had to tell/sign Thomas "thank you."

There was lots to do after the train ride....like ride more trains.

I cannot believe my child did not try to jump out of this quickly-moving train. Look how frozen he was. The next pic is when I told him to wave at Mommy/the camera as he passed.

He and Gabriel rode yet another train together. This pic is typical J and G: Judah smiling at Gabriel as Gabriel talks and talks.

Just a warning that the next pics will MELT. YOUR. HEART.

This day gets more and more monumental because not only does Judah ride a train for the first time, but he also rides a HORSE. I could not believe it when he saw the horses and wanted insisted to ride. I thought he would for sure chicken-out when Daddy got to the front of the line (remember Santa?) But my brave boy rode the "baby horsey" and loved every minute.

I told you I would explain his new-found love of horseys ;-) I've since bought him a miniature toy horse to whom he gave the name "Baseball." No kidding. Baseball the Horse~his two favorite obsessions.

What a great day, filled with three of Judah's favorite things. Maybe we'll see you again next year Thomas. Peep peep!