Before I had kids, I had a vague sense of who Thomas the Train was. Little did I know that this 'cheeky' little blue train from books (originally) now movies and the TV show "Thomas & Friends" has a mega merchandising presence and more 'friends' than you could possibly imagine. In just about a year of even knowing about Thomas, Hayden already has acquired about 10 different Thomas & Friends trains/vehicles, a bowl & plate, a flashlight, pajamas, T-shirt and loves the "Thomas Breaks a Promise" book and the "On Site with Thomas" DVD. His collection is tiny in comparison to all that is out there.
During the summer, a full-size "Thomas" Engine tours various cities across the US for the "Day Out with Thomas" sold-out event. The weather was beautiful today and we enjoyed the 25 minute train ride, pulled by Thomas, and passing the majestic Snoqualmie Falls (which we were too busy admiring to take a picture of). There is currently construction on the dam leading into the Falls, so Hayden got an EXTRA BONUS train ride in getting to see all the exciting construction equipment.
Brooklyn also really enjoyed the train ride. Lots to see, and Thomas music piping over the speakers (of course, there is a Thomas Soundtrack, and yes, it is annoying.) And it's just the right length of time for the little ones.
Back at the Railway Museum, the grounds were bursting with Thomas excitement for us and several hundred other Thomas Fans to enjoy. A bouncy house, live music, puppet shows, crafts, temporary tattoos, train tables galore, and a huge merchandise gift shop tent with more Thomas stuff than I even knew existed.
We waited in line for a photo opp with Thomas, but when we were 3rd next in line after about 15 minutes, the train had to depart again for its next trip. Super disapointing, but Hayden handled it surprisingly well. This is the only shot we caught as Thomas pulled away from the station and a line of sad toddlers left to wait another 25 minutes for his return (which we decided against).
Like how Hayden doesn't quite get that he needs to look AT the camera, so the shot is the back of his head and the staff persons rear? Nice.
Luckily, a little while later, Phil was able to take some photos as Thomas returned to the station, but we didn't want to wait in the line again, so imagine Hayden smiling cheerily next to Thomas here:
We grabbed some hot dogs for lunch and Hayden set about concentrating on his newest addition to his Thomas & Friends collection, "Madge" a flatbed truck he has never heard of before, but that's the one he wanted, and we knew we weren't leaving that tent empty-handed! (We also got him another T-shirt and some more temporary tattoos).
All in all, a very fun day was had by all. Worth every penny to see your kids light up like that.
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