Makin' Tracks to New Destinations

2 Adults + 3 kids riding half price = One Great Train Ride! Susan, Hannah and I took the Two Little Nguyens on the train to see the Smiths in Charlotte. We had been wanting to take this choo choo trip for a long while, and gas prices being what they are, I could finally justify it! (That and the fact that -- did I mention this -- kids ride half price!) So, we arrived to the Amtrak station at 0Dark:00 to ride the Carolinian. After riding trains from Connecticut into Grand Central in NYC, I can honestly say this was a clean and pleasant experience. Almost luxurious. Aside from the seats being dark green rather than cabernet, it was strangely similar to the Polar Express (sans snow, of course)! The windows were so large that it seemed they weren't even there. The scenery was beautiful, and the Little Nguyens got their absolute fill of train whistles, "All Aboard"s, railroad crossings, and tracks. We boarded in a jiffy, and before we knew it, we were rolling along. The Little Nguyens and Hannah then journeyed to the Snack Car, and they marveled at the delicious choices -- honey buns, cinnamon rolls, powdered doughnuts...all the usual contraband. Alas, they each chose a cinnamon roll (over the homebaked banana bread and yogurt we had smuggled on board!), and they settled in for a sugary treat. After an unfortunate orange juice incident, the Second Little Nguyen had to make a quick costume change into his pajamas, likening the experience even more to his favorite storybook. The Little Nguyens even drank hot cocoa!

Andrea and Baby Noah were there to meet us when we arrived in Charlotte. After a short drive to their house, the Little Nguyens were reunited with their favorite dogs, Beau and Grace. They spent at least an hour throwing frisbees and balls to the puppies in the backyard, which I am sure Beau and Grace greatly appreciated now that little Noah is taking up so much more of their Mommy and Daddy's frisbee-throwing time. Hannah got some serious baby-cuddling time in, and after lunch, we headed to the pool. Baby Noah and the Second Little Nguyen took turns napping in the shade, and everyone had great fun in the sun! The next morning, we took the light rail (more trains!) into downtown Charlotte to have lunch at one very cool soda shoppe. Baby Noah was such a traveler that day, hanging out in Grandma Suzy's and Aunt Sarah's arms, Mom's lap, and on Cousin Hannah's shoulder. We all got our baby fix that day! The Little Nguyens played around at the trolley stop, watching trains go by, before we headed back. Noah had a record breaking blow-out shortly before leaving for the Amtrak station, but after Mom cleaned him up, we headed out. The train ride back home was quiet, as everyone was tired. The Little Nguyens stared out the window for the whole three hours, never tiring of the different stations and scenery. Of course, they have already asked when we will be going again. I think we might wait until the wintertime so we can dress them in the jammies and call it a ride on the Polar Express!