Thomas the Train

As an early birthday present, Emery got a chance to ride Thomas the Train on the weekend before he turned two.

There was no way mommy and daddy could let the opportunity pass...

We gave the conductor our tickets and boarded Thomas.

We picked our seats and were excited for the ride!

Luckily for Emery, Nonna had bought him a Thomas train the week before at TJMaxx. It's a story for another day, but suffice it to say, Nonna is helping Emery to learn that crying and saying "TRAIN!" through tears while waiting in line to check out is a great way to take one home if your grandma is with you.

Lots of kids there had Thomas memorabilia. And luckily for mommy and daddy, we remembered to bring the train with us. Emery was happy to have it and we saved $30 at the huge gift shop today by coming prepared!

And we were off on a 28 minute train ride, complete with Thomas music blasting on the speakers.

Riding on trains makes Ruby a hungry girl.

She was more than pleased to have her bottle.

It couldn't have been a nicer day.

There were lots of smiles.

The conductor came by and gave each of the children a Jr. Engineer certificate.

Emery said "sank you" when he was handed his. Melts my heart!

After completing the long journey 14 minutes one way and 14 minutes back,we pulled back into the station and then walked around the different booths outside. Ruby was content in the stroller, as always.

And Emery was content to see Sir Topham Hatt from a distance. Unlike this excited little guy, we didn't have to stand in a really long line. Maybe next year?

By far the second favorite activity of the day was playing the drums with Steve Gryb, The Pied Piper of Percussion. "Wipe Out" was quite a hit with the 2 year old crowd.

After a stop at McDonalds for his favorite chicken nuggets, the afternoon was complete.

Cue sleep.

Happy Birthday to our little one who's not so little anymore...

this morning

... Emery got up on the right side of the bed.

Che gioia!

exception to the rule

Emery is all boy with one exception-- his fondness for Ruby's new jacket.

After a fun night on the town, we picked up Emery and Ruby at nonna's house. As the story goes, nonna showed Emery a pretty pink polka dotted jacket she had purchased for his sister. He insisted on trying it on-- and refused to give it back.

He wore it all evening, including on the way to our house. I tried, unsuccessfully, to take it off when we got home, along with his shoes and hat. He wasn't having it. The little man knows what he likes.

It ended badly for Emery that evening.

It ended badly for me in the morning, when I realized I had forgotten to put the polka dotted prize away and Emery wore it all morning.

breakfast for lunch

It was hard to walk away from the trucks for lunch.

But he was hungry and let them have a rest.

After some contemplation, breakfast for lunch was decided.

We've been working on using a spoon lately because he much prefers a fork.

We are stuck on everything being "hot", including lots of things he doesn't like and doesn't want to eat.

Today, however, an ice cube saved the day.

Ruby works hard at being cute while lunch is served.

Such nice manners... he's getting lots of practice wiping off his chin these days.