Choo choo!

   We started to introduce a little educational programming for the Sugar Snaps when they were almost two.  They love the ABC Train DVD and also books about trains.   We can hear the train from where we live and they excitedly shout , “choo choo!” when they hear it in the distance.  Each night as part of our bed time routine, we sing “Down by the station” with them and then do a few rounds of “chuga, chuga….choo choo!” while we pull our imaginary levers.  When we found out that a local train was having a special one hour ride suitable for toddlers, we knew we had to go.

     We found out that it is a ‘railway tradition’ to stop and get off the train while it backs up and comes down the tracks with steam rising for people to take pictures.  We decided it was worth it to get off the train with the four Sugar Snaps (which was no easy feat) to experience it.  The first picture you see is the train coming down the tracks.  What you don’t see is Greg holding on to three of the Sugar Snaps hands tightly at a distance while I am standing closer with Ryder’s entire arm between my legs so I can snap a quick picture without him running towards the train.  I gripped him with my legs and bent sideways to snap the photo around all the other people snapping pictures. I am sure the people without a toddler between their legs got better pictures, but it was far more memorable being there with Ryder as he excitedly watched the train coming our way.