Okay so this week a group of us moms thought it would be a great idea to take a day trip on the train to a little town called Hanford. There is a cute ice cream place there called Superior Dairy and a fun court yard for the kids to play in. We ventured out with high hopes at around 9:00 a.m., but whoever thought seven woman could handle 15 kids on a packed Amtrak must of been a little loco!!! Don't get me wrong - things went actually very well, but the moms were definitely pooped by the end. We started out with a race to the train that arrived early then a mad dash to find seats on an already packed train! The kids were so excited jumping up and down looking out the windows at all of the cows and trees and cows!After the train ride we walked over to the court yard for the kids to play. 
Ashlee climbed on an old firetruck and got to pull the bell! They got bored quickly (no play equipment) so some of us ran back to the McDonalds we spotted (I have been to McDonalds more times than I care to admit since Ashlee reached age!) thinking there would be a play place. Sadly no playland was found so the kids turned the seating area into their own version! We headed back to the courtyard and then over to the Dairy. 
The kids loved the ice cream and ate with glee. Back at the courtyard the kids made up games of run around the tree and chase each other with sticks while the moms sat on the grass asking each every 2 minutes "Is it time to catch the train yet??" Finally it was time and we headed back to the station only to have to wait for a delayed train. As we cleared out the waiting area (don't forget how loud 15 kids can be!) we all waited anxiously for the choo choo. 
The ride home was fairly uneventful and I really must give a shout out to all of the lovely passengers from our trip. Most people were so nice and helpful to us all. They were willing to move to allow us to sit together with our children and they put up with the endless screams for milk and home and food and just whatever! Another shout out goes to my friend Angie. Ashlee just loves to hang out with Zach and so the entire trip she was basically attached to him at the hip. If he was in the stroller she was walking next to it. If he was by mom she was next to him. No matter where he went she was there. Angie already has 3 kids so I added one more to her little load. I definitely owe her a plate of brownies or something like that. The best part was when I finally reached home around 4:00 in the afternoon both kids fell instantly asleep and where out for 2 hours!! I told Jed about the late nap and then informed him that he would be up with them as I gleefully went to bed at 9:30! He is such a good sport!
Ashlee climbed on an old firetruck and got to pull the bell! They got bored quickly (no play equipment) so some of us ran back to the McDonalds we spotted (I have been to McDonalds more times than I care to admit since Ashlee reached age!) thinking there would be a play place. Sadly no playland was found so the kids turned the seating area into their own version! We headed back to the courtyard and then over to the Dairy. 
The kids loved the ice cream and ate with glee. Back at the courtyard the kids made up games of run around the tree and chase each other with sticks while the moms sat on the grass asking each every 2 minutes "Is it time to catch the train yet??" Finally it was time and we headed back to the station only to have to wait for a delayed train. As we cleared out the waiting area (don't forget how loud 15 kids can be!) we all waited anxiously for the choo choo. 
The ride home was fairly uneventful and I really must give a shout out to all of the lovely passengers from our trip. Most people were so nice and helpful to us all. They were willing to move to allow us to sit together with our children and they put up with the endless screams for milk and home and food and just whatever! Another shout out goes to my friend Angie. Ashlee just loves to hang out with Zach and so the entire trip she was basically attached to him at the hip. If he was in the stroller she was walking next to it. If he was by mom she was next to him. No matter where he went she was there. Angie already has 3 kids so I added one more to her little load. I definitely owe her a plate of brownies or something like that. The best part was when I finally reached home around 4:00 in the afternoon both kids fell instantly asleep and where out for 2 hours!! I told Jed about the late nap and then informed him that he would be up with them as I gleefully went to bed at 9:30! He is such a good sport!
This morning I told her it was ballet day and she ran and put on her "outfit" she then wore it for the next two hours before we went to class. She loves to walk on her toes like Barbie Nutcracker! 
I bought her these supposed ballet slippers (Walmart) and she put them on and immediately said "But Mommy, these shoes don't work!!" This was said as she tried to keep up on her tippy toes! It is a dream come true for me and for her as well. 
Of course I plan on her becoming a Prima Ballerina or a dancer on my new favorite show - So You Think You Can Dance...do you think it will be around long enough??? Dreams.......