A Day Out With Thomas!

 Driving the airplane before the train ride...

 Natty loves being on the train!

 Well, there was a huge line waiting to get their kids picture in front of thomas...and we needed to eat lunch.  So here is my best attempt at getting a 2 1/2 year old to stand still while there are tons of kids/parents all around us.  He is slightly distracted if you couldn't tell.  But he did have the time of his life.  15 minutes into the train ride, Andrew begins saying "all done.  all done".  He wanted off.  Oh boy :)

 Here ya go dad...thought you might like to see all of the old lanterns they had out for display!

 The imagination station was a 2 year old's piece of heaven.  Train table after table set up with tracks, stations, and trains to play with.  Needless to say we had to peel him away from this area!

 Sweet baby...she was so good all day!  Despite not really understanding what all the fuss was about, she supported her brother all the way.

 "This is the most still you will see him all day", said to me by one of the volunteers running the model train area.  And it really was true...Andrew just stood and watched. And watched.  And pointed.  And watched those trains go around the tracks.

 "oooh, mommy.  whoa!"

 Future conductor?  Perhaps!

 Family pic before we board the train!  We were in car #4.  A bit interesting of a ride, considering whole thing was filled with kids 4 and under, singing to Thomas theme music.  And a bit of crying was mingled in there too.  Maybe from our baby. Sorry everyone.  

 Here is the junior engineer, checking out the scenery before we departed!

Of course there were backhoes for kids to climb on!  No event like this would be complete with out them!  

night night

Tonight was the first time Andrew actually said "night night" to joe and I...he even waved to us as he said it, tucked under his blanket, surrounded by stuffed animals (doggie, whoowhoo, and meow).  Oh my, it brought a tear to my eye and I look forward to hearing those sweet words each night from now on.  Have I mentioned how blessed I am to be his mama?  

Sweet

Well this just made my day.  I hope it does for you.  Love from the Hughes home :)

Bright Eyes

I think I actually can see a little twinkle in his eye.

Andrew helps us to see the bright side to life so very often.  He sees and appreciates things we pass by every day.  A train whistle blows far off in the distance, and his face lights up.  A jet streaks across the sky, making no sound but leaving a jet stream, he squeals with delight and points to the sky.  I had no idea just how many bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and dump trucks there are working everywhere around us!  But he doesn't fail to spot 'em and let me know.  His newest love is basketball hoops.  As we travel in the car, he loves to look for them in driveways, and if one is spotted he shouts out, "HOOP!HOOP!".  Quite entertaining!

It seems as if he is speaking new words daily.  Just the other day, he was out on the deck, and saw our neighbor, Pat, beginning to mow her lawn.  He came over to the screen door, leaned inside to find me and said, "Pat, mow!  Pat, mow!".  You got it buddy! He had never said those words before, let alone together.  It was so fun to hear him voice his thoughts and observations!  However simple :)  I can't wait to keep listening for more words to spill out of that cute little mouth of his.  

Last night before bed, I read the story of Ping to him, which I would consider a childhood classic! At least of my childhood.  He loved the book.  Although he was a little concerned when it came to the part where Ping was the last duck on the boat and was given a smack on the back (we have entered the world of spanking these days!) We also read "The Library" by Sarah Stewart and David Small. The main character in the book is named Elizabeth Brown, so I let him know that was Aunt "bibi's" name while growing up!  He thought that was pretty neat. I think he could actually appreciate the character's love of books!

One of my favorite things about being a mother is the time spent reading together.  Especially before bed.  He gets his blanket, and we both snuggle up on his small toddler bed together. My legs stick off the end by 2 feet.  Probably a pretty comical sight.  I usually ask for a kiss, and he willingly leans over to kiss my cheek *sigh*.  We read a few books, and he usually tries to get me to read one or two more even after that.  I am trying to treasure these moments, and look forward to more of the same as Natalie grows.  These kiddos are such special gifts from the Lord.  I pray for wisdom as I teach and train them to love the Lord with all their heart, and love others the same!