Trains, Trains, Trains

Matthew has developed an interest in trains, much in the same way Jonah Salk developed an interest in polio.  He won't rest until trains no longer exist.

Bad example, but it's always fun when you get to say the word "polio".  Say it with me: POLE-EE-OH.  That was super!

Back to trains.  Matthew has an unbridled joy and passion for them.  It is WONDERFUL to watch.  No day is a bad day for our #1 guy if he gets to play with trains.  The two places he loves the most are the library and Grandma Jeanne's house, because that's where the big train tracks are.  He has a few trains from Chuggington and Thomas (the two most famous train cartoons featuring talking trains who babble nonsense and drive Daddy insane) he plays with at our house, but we purposefully do not have a train track here so that it can be a special treat at the library and Grandma's.

One of the libraries we frequent has a huge train table (and a bin of toys that Bean gets her hands in).

This little guy has already worn out the Thomas the Engine yearbook by how frequently he reads it. 

So, today, on my first day of vacation, we gave Matthew a surprise: his first real life train ride!  We were about 90% sure it would be a thrill for him, but there was some worry that the size and sounds would horrify him, thus ruining the greatest joy of his life.  It would be sad for that to happen to a 2 year old.  It feels a little soon.

Let's just say the worry was unfounded.  Matthew had a freaking BLAST.

Waiting for the train to arrive. Matthew has been smiling since Mommy dropped us off at the station.

Here is video of him literally dancing in his seat during the ride.  It was a 14 minute ride, and he danced for the first 5-6 minutes.  He was happily chattering and pointing out everything he saw from start to finish.

On the train.  This is BEFORE he found out he was going to McDonald's for breakfast when we arrived in Deerfield.

I think we're going to do it again on Wednesday.  It will be for both of us.