Catching up
For Grant's birthday, Dad took the day off and we Amtrakked down to Paul's Valley. Actually Stan drove the van because we didn't want to be stuck in PV America til the train came back that night. It was awesome. Train riding is the way to travel. Since it was Feb., we saw lots of winter scapes (sort of lifeless), but we could also SEE through the formerly leaf-filled trees lots of pastures, ranches and towns. We would love to do a long trip on the rails. But it costs about the same as chartering planes, so it's probably not happening.
The Conductor found out it was Grant's birthday so they wished him a Happy Birthday over the loud speaker. Called him a handsome guy wearing cool camo. Grant was so embarrassed. Loved it!
In order, are some pictures of our arrival in PV ... 
OOPS. (note Giles pulling my hand down ... my animation apparently was embarrassing to him)
After trespassing on the old train, we went to the Toy Museum in downtown Pauls Valley. 
Then Dad showed the kids his former haunts from when he lived there right before he took his lovely bride. Then we ate at Bob's Pig Shop, visited Bedree chocolate factory, got cherry limeades at Ballard's drive-in for the ride home (just to make sure we were getting our RDA of sugar!), and had the kids at their gymnastics class back in OKC by 2:45. WEW. 
Outside Bob's Pig Shop. (Seeing Lydia's face in this picture reminds me she was kicking the end of the flu, but we forced her to come along anyway ... and like it.) 
Later, CAKE.
I never want to wish our time away, but I do love it when we are all at even numbers ... 6, 8, 10. We live this way til August when Lovie turns 9.
Happy Birthday Grantie!
Posted in: on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at at 8:26 AM
How did you go to all those places? Are they near the train station? I've always wondered about that re. day train trips.
LOVE the pic of the boys in front of the train! What an awesome family, who knew Pauls Valley could be so much fun.