Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Hanford - here we come!

We all know that Jackson LOVES trains right now. Every morning the first thing he asks for is, "Choo-Choo Thomas?" It really is too cute.

So Jeremy and I had this great idea to take him for a real train ride during Christmas Break. We thought it would be the perfect family outing. The Minnicks and the Other Wards came along for the ride. We braved the cold 40 something degree weather and ventured out on this overcast day.

Jackson was in hog heaven! Just look at his over-excited grin. He could hardly contain himself.

We did this same "trip" several years ago when Trevor was about 4 years old, Logan 2 and Lizzie was just a baby. We drive downtown, hop on the Amtrak train, ride 30 minutes to Hanford, walk about 1/4 mile to the nearby park, eat a picnic, stop at the creamery across the street for the best ice cream around, and then head back to the train for the ride home.

Here's a short video for your viewing pleasure. Jackson is my favorite. He's so camera shy, but it's too cute.



Logan watching the fields pass by. Fresno sure is green in the winter - I love it!

Here is the brood waiting to get on the train. We've been called "a school field trip" several times when we're all out in public together. Today was no exception!

The weather shaped up when we got there. The sun came out just in time for our picnic and the kids' game of football. It was still chilly out there, but not too bad. And Aimee always says that the best time to get ice cream is when it's cold outside. I still don't know why that is, but she was right on this day! It was mm-mmm good!

Here we are about to board the train to go home. This picture was the best of everyone, but who is that lady? Didn't she realize we were taking a family picture?! Maybe we can get Robb to photoshop her out...


Waiting for the train....

The whole adventure was worth it when we watched Jackson in this moment. He stayed just like this at the window for about 5 mintues. And if you know Jackson - you know that 5 mintues is an eternity for this kid.
It was a great day. Good memories and a full heart from seeing a happy child.

7 comments:

Piano Mom said...

That ice cream is the only thing I miss about Hanford. It's sooooo good!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I remember doing this with my brother Jesse when he was that age. What a fun memory! H

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

Thanks for your comment. If you noticed, Friday night is pancakes...maybe I should take that to another level and make breakfast night 3 times a week, and then I can get creative....is Captain Crunch considered creative? It IS vitamin fortified, right? And I might be getting a doorknob with a lock for the pantry. We had done that in Utah but haven't felt the need since we moved. Maybe now's a good time ;)

kelly said...

I love that trip, we go every year, except the year I had Ben. This year the ice cream from Superior Dairy was our lunch!

Kristen said...

The lady smiling sweetly is my favorite part. I was trying to figure out what family member she was until I read she just hijacked your picture. :)

Robb said...

Gee...Looks like fun! Wish I could have gone.

Elizabeth said...

I was cracking up when I saw the lady in the pic. Hilarious! That trip always seems even better when I'm eating ice cream. Love you guys!