A Really Useful Engine

On Wednesday, June 18th, our whole clan, along with Uncle Jason, Aunt Debbie, and cousins Nick and Brianna, headed north to Strasburg, PA for A Day Out with Thomas. This event, hosted by the Strasburg Rail Road (SRR), features a full-size, working, Thomas the Tank Engine steam train that kids and parents are able to take a rides on. And that's just what we did.

Almost immediately after arriving, our group jumped in line and awaited our turn to ride on that really useful engine. Once the "All Aboard" was called, Thomas pulled out of the station and we got to enjoy a 20 minute ride through the beautiful Amish countryside. Aidan was a bit leery of of the whole experience, what with the noise and motion and all, but he quickly got over this and had a great time.

When we returned to the platform, there was plenty more to do. The SRR has an operating 1/4 scale steam train call the Cagney which can be ridden. The Cagney was originally built in 1920's for an amusement park. The little thing can really move (see video below) and was so much fun we rode it twice.

After the Cagney, is was back to the full-size rails. We hopped aboard the 475 for a 45 minute ride through the countryside. This adventure takes the passengers out further than Thomas where you get to see sites such as Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and its Amazing Maize Maze before reversing direction in Paradise, PA to return to the station.

The one other big activity for my brood was the chance to pilot a hand-powered pump car. Alex, Abby and myself provided power while Amanda was a passenger. Heading out from the stop was surprisingly easy. It wasn't until the return trip that we realized we needed to go up hill. Oof!

Aside from a little rain late in the day, everyone involved had a wonderful time and we all look forward to going to back to tour the Rail Road Museum of Pennsylvania and the Choo Choo Barn.

Post edited on 5/9/2011 due to shutdown of GoogleVideo.

School Year Wrap Up

On Tuesday, May 6 (I know, I know, I'm really, really behind), RLCA presented their annual Spring program. The show this year was titled Power. It was styled after an afternoon or late-night talk show. Abby and Amanda both participated by singing with their respective classes. Alex broke new ground this year and had his first speaking part; that of an Ed McMahon-esque announcer.

On Friday, May 16th, Amanda and her 1st grade class, accompanied by Mommy, took part in the annual field trip to Longwood Gardens. This trip is always a favorite with the kids as well as the adults. This year presented something new with Longwood's new display called Nature's Castles. Nature's Castles are a series of fantastic tree houses that are nothing short of stunning.

On Wednesday, May 21, Abigail's 3rd grade class headed to to Fort Delaware for the final field trip of the '07-'08 school year. The Fort Delaware tours are hosted by a great many actors which help bring the history of the fort to life. Abby had the chance to assist 'Esau', a former slave, in the foundry.

Finally, on Thursday, May 22nd, I played hooky from work and accompanied Abigail, Aidan, Grammy and Mommy to an afternoon Blue Rocks baseball game. The main draw for this event was that Abigail, along with the RLCA After School Choir, was going to sing to the crowd before the game. The choir did great...which is more than I can say for the Rocks, who lost to the Potomac Stinkin Nationals by a score of 10-3.