I had a date on Sunday

with Noah. We left Elliot at home to nap and Dad home to watch the Chief's game and headed to Belton to ride the train. We hadn't been in a whole year. When Noah was 2 we would go all the time. We went a couple of times last year and this year only once. He still likes trains, but he's past that typical 2 year old boy obsession. It was cute seeing all the 2 year old boys in their conductor hats just so obsessed. Made Noah seem so old and mature!

After the train ride, we stopped by Sarah's to get our popcorn we bought from Charlie for Cub Scouts. Of course, we popped a bag and Noah & Charlie ate it in some secret hiding spot by a tree. Then we stopped by Grandma Lois & Grandpa Gene's house, where great grandkids always HAVE to eat pudding. Grandma Lo also gave Noah an ice cream sandwich.

I love spending time alone with the boys. It's something I rarely do, but it's always enjoyable to just hang with one of my boys and give them all my attention.

This is Noah with the conductor. He graduated high school in 1949 and this train is 11 years older than he is. All the people that work on the train do it on a 100% volunteer basis and are just love trains and history. I've never been on a train ride that this conductor isn't on. He sat next to Noah and talked to us half the time. He also let Noah punch an extra hole in his ticket with his hole punch. Noah thought that was pretty cool

Pumpkin Train

Yesterday we took the much anticipated Pumpkin Train Ride in Belton. It felt more like November than October, but we still had fun. It isn't a complete experience, of course, if we don't stop at Tara's Cafe afterwards for lunch. Belton had it's pumpkin fest going on up and down Main Street. Turns out it was just a bunch of vendors in booths. They did have a bouncehouse that the boys played on until Noah got knocked down and had a bloody lip. It was then time to go.

We stopped by Dunn's Cider Mill. Instead of making an event of it though, Sarah just ran in for some cider and donuts to take home with us. Noah was passed out by the time we got home. Elliot enjoyed playing with Ruby, the cat, then passed out for a little nap himself. Aunt Sam & Keith came in town and we enjoyed some Steak Soup, Cheddar Batter Bread and Pumpkin Pie at the parent/grandparent's house courtesy of Rick. Nice Fall day. Too bad Paul wasn't there. Pretty sure he's ok with that though, since he was spending the day hiking in the Grand Canyon with his brother, Todd. :)

Choo Choo Trains at Union Station

Today we went and saw the giant train display at Union Station with some friends. Noah was so excited. He had to wear his train hat. He also rode a miniature train that used to be the one at the old Jones store downtown with his buddy Caleb. It was a fun outing for my train obsessed boy.

He now says "Cheese Please!" instead of smiling. It results in this face: