Thomas the Tank Visits Duluth

Thomas the Tank returned to MN in early August for a weekend - this time in Duluth! Last year Mom and Dad took James along for the fun, but honestly it was probably more for them than James. This year ... it was all about James' love for Thomas. We left early on a Friday morning and drove up north without a pit stop. We arrived at the Duluth train station ready to see Thomas.

Poppa was excited to see the Northwestern trains again this year.  By popular demand we saw three green and gold cars this year instead of two.  And James was happy to say "choo choo! choo choo!" and meet the official conductor of the train!

There were a lot of activities for the kids including a band, visiting with Sir Toppam Hat, touring old train cars and chatting with other kids.  James enjoyed his morning so much that he wanted to go on a walk to "see mo Thomas!, see mo Thomas!"

We think he was more excited seeing "the real Thomas" at work than riding on Thomas, back in town.

 

Along the north shore, within walking (and viewing) distance of Canal Park, we were able to see Thomas in action, not once, but twice!

We definitely wore him out as evidenced by his nap on the way back to the car.  We'll stay tuned to see where Thomas is coming to MN next summer, and assuming James is still "into trains" I'm sure we'll be back for another "Day Out With Thomas."

Riding Bikes

When Mom and Dad got to thinking about what to get James for his 2nd Birthday ideas came pretty easily, as it's fairly easy to see what James loves to do at daycare based on some of the pics they send to us of his activities!

So we went in search of a bike/trike that James could get several years of use out of.  Many trikes aren't meant for kids under three but we found one in which at James' age someone can steer from behind and walk with him until he grows tall enough to reach the pedals.  Mom got a chance to put it together last week and James took the bike for its inaugural ride on Wednesday when Dad got home from a work trip.  Of course, safety first - and James is okay with that too thankfully they make the kids at daycare wear helmets when they ride bikes as well.

Here are some pics of the inaugural bike ride of James and his bike - he loves it and it's fun to get outside with him to explore his surroundings in a whole new way!

Happy 2nd Birthday James!!

Happy 2nd Birthday James!  We had such a fun time celebrating with friends and family this past weekend and are so thankful for Grandma and Grandpa Clark for hosting your celebratory bash - Choo Choo style!

The house was decorated most appropriately for one of your favorites things...trains!  Great Grandpa Choo Choo would have been proud.

Here you are donning your train engineer hat and bandanna.  All the kiddos left with them as well and train whistles too!

Grandma cooked up some of your favorite foods, including pasta and bread.  Not sure you touched the fruit on your plate that afternoon, but you and your friends all enjoyed the feast at the kiddie table together.

You still don't quite get the gift opening process, but perhaps we should be thankful for that.  But friends and family were very generous and you showed your appreciation by saying, "Thank you!"  The biggest hit I think was the bike helmet Great Grandma Clark got for you - you'll be all set to ride your new trike soon!

Cupcakes followed and after a second attempt you did manage to blow out your "2" candle.
 

You had a wonderful time exploring the big train Grandma and Grandpa had going 'round the tracks upstairs.  I think you thought you we're an engineer yourself - but you did get a little help from Uncle Bryan.

We had such a wonderful time celebrating your birthday and all the joy and laughter you've brought into our lives since you've been born.  Mom and Dad can't wait to see how you continue to explore your world and have those next "firsts" in this next year of your life.  We are so blessed to have you in our lives and can't imagine life any differently now that you've graced us with your smiles, messes, tantrums and giggles.  We love you Baby James!