I went out last night to bring the goats in. David called from the back door: Don't let the coyotes get you, Mom! As I was walking back up the steps, Elizabeth called: Did the coyotes get you, Mama?
The train has nothing to do with Tiny Talk, but it was a fun family outing this weekend. Dad took us to a good spot to wait for the historic Union Pacific Steam Locomotive Number 844. It was the last steam locomotive built for UP, when my Daddy was 3 years old, and according to an older guy I met Saturday, it's the only steam locomotive that has been in continuous service, never having been retired.
One train went by before the 844 arrived - Rebekah's first train! She waved as it passed by and the engineer gave a little toot-toot as the train passed. She jumped but didn't cry.
Finally the 844 arrived!
It was sooooo loud! We quickly got back into the car & headed off. But my wonderful husband know his battalion well and we were able to catch it again as it went into a residential neighborhood:
After that we saw it one more time as it went under a bridge we were crossing. Then Dad had to get to work, so we headed out of town. Uncle Bubba's family and Grandpa were coming up to see it at the yard, so we met up with them at McDonald's. Check out that static Elizabeth got while playing:
We made it to the yard, and there she sat. Steam trains are so beautiful. A wonderful opportunity for photography. Lots of people were taking pictures of the train, pictures of kids and themselves beside it. So many, in fact, that it was really hard to get any photos without a bunch of random people in them, but I did get some.
Last Saturday was Elizabeth's 3rd birthday!!! She said she wanted to ride a train. With a January birthday, there's not a whole lot you can do. The zoo would have been too cold. But when given the choice, she picked train over zoo! I think credit must be given to The Polar Express and Dinosaur Train... not to mention a rail fan Dad. No matter, it was a lot of fun for all!
Exciting graffiti!
This is my favorite picture of Elizabeth & Dad
Everything was exciting as she looked out the window!
She saw tunnels, water, and even a butterfly at one of the stops!
When the train stopped on the other side (before coming back), we had cupcakes!
Grandma assisted so that she wouldn't get her jacket all chocolaty. After cupcakes... presents!
She kept gasping saying, "Oh my! Oh my!"
She got more princess stuff and some really cute dresses. She excitedly waved the clothes around, so I was unable to photograph them!
Putting all her beads in her new purse.
When we got back to the station, Dad wanted us to look at the old T&P Building. Uncle Bubba put some good photos on his blog.
But Elizabeth just played with her beads & purse.
She was eager to head to McDonald's for lunch, though!
Thanks to everyone who made Elizabeth's 3rd birthday train ride a wonderful expereience!
It's all Yours God, Yours God, everything is Yours. From the stars in the sky to the depths of the ocean floor. It's all Yours God, Yours God, everything is Yours. You're the maker and keeper, Father and ruler of everything. It's all Yours.
