Strasburg Outing

Well, it's the last week of summer vacation for us here in the Winkler household. I know, I know. I can hear the groans of those of you who aren't teachers. You're thinking that we just twiddle our thumbs all summer, right? Um...no. They don't pay teachers enough to do that--that'd be a whole other post.

ANYWAY, we decided to have a family outing to Strasburg today. Just the four of us. Let me tell ya, we had one V.E.R.Y. excited little girl on our hands. She eats, sleeps, and plays trains these days, and has been anticipating riding in a real train since January!

Originally we were going to visit the National Toy Train Museum before our coach ride began, but decided the Choo Choo Barn was a better stop for today. We knew Natalia would get a free ride on the train (because of the summer reading program at our library), but God blessed us with a stranger who offered a free admission coupon for the Choo Choo Barn too! (Natalia was under 4 so she was free already, so that meant we only had to pay for 1 adult! Whoo hoo!)

What a fun morning! Blistering hot, yes...but fun.

I still remember visiting the Choo Choo Barn with my grandma as a child, so it was a treat to return 25 years later!

(Click once on the slideshow to see them as is; double click to see the pictures larger.)

Then it was time to ride the big train. Natalia was so excited she was half giddy. :o)

AND, we did see Thomas parked on a side track by the repair shop. Natalia was so concerned because his face was missing. We told her he was probably getting it repainted. She thought we should visit the shop to make sure he'd be okay, but alas we had to go home and take naps. Shucks. :o)