Meeting Thomas the Train

So early on in our bonding, Monkey and I were home alone a lot. I was recovering from my c-section so I was worn out a ton. About 3 weeks in, the doctor encouraged a lot of stories to be told to Monkey. Well I told as many as I could, but sometimes even I needed a break. So knowing my child couldn't see the screen, I put him in his bouncy seat and put on an episode of Thomas the Tank engine.

(I know most parents may crucify me for putting my child down and used the TV as a means to soothe a child, but it was what worked for me. My parents let me watch TV early too and I turned out fine. I refuse to buy into the hype. Too early for Spongebob, definitely. But not Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sesame Street or Thomas. Also... I love Sprout TV. )

It is a show that is read like a story, and there have been several narrators. The most notable of the narrators are George Carlin and Alec Baldwin. Monkey loved it, and he loved the train noises. Not only that, but it was a good way to calm down the colic, which seemed to arrive when I was at home and on my own.

As Monkey grew bigger and could see the screen I could tell he loved to watch the trains! At the beginning of every episode they ask "Who's that puffing down the track? It's Thomas", and my son starts beaming and talking to me and looking at the screen as if to say "Look Mommy! Look at the train!"

It was about this time that I heard of the Ediville Railroad Grand Re-Opening. The first two weekends were days when you could "Spend the day with Thomas". The wheels in my head started to turn. My Sister in Law began to make plans to take our kids to see Thomas. That plan was enacted this weekend with much success.

It was a cloudy overcast day Saturday, but the sun managed to peek out from time to time! We met up with my Sister in Law, Brother in Law, the Bean, and the Peanut just inside the gate. We had a little bit until our ride, so we fed the Monkey a bottle and then took him on his first carousel ride.... which he loved. (I think the horses moving up and down plus the lights makes it really fun for him. )

Above: Here is Monkey with Daddy on the Carousel.

Below: The lights just went on.

Then it was time for our Train Ride. We were so excited and ready to go! Although Monkey is not yet sure of what we are doing.

The ride was great! We went around the park and Monkey was super curious at what was going on. After the ride was lunch and then a change and then we went to the playground and tried the swings. Monkey loved his fist... not sure how he feels about the swing though.

The best part... no matter where we were, we could always find Thomas puffing around the property.

Honestly for $40 for two adults (Monkey was free!), the day out with Thomas was perfect! The park was small and we were able to do it in a half a day. (Plenty of time to nap.) The only downside... No ATM's and almost everywhere took cash. So that kind of stunk.

But those family memories... those will last a lifetime.