National Train Day

Ok, almost a week later...

On Saturday, May 7, we took a trip to Union Station in Los Angeles for National Train Day 2011 and the 40th anniversary celebration for Amtrak.

Happy to be on the train, on our way to see the trains!

Ok, not so happy anymore...

We had to wait a few minutes at this station which is why he got a bit grumpy.

We take this train on a somewhat regular basis and usually he doesn't comment on the train functions, mostly just what he is seeing out the window.  This is a light rail system and runs down major streets.  Therefore, it has two modes: a street mode and a rail mode.  During rail mode the train does not stop between stations and the crossing gates/flashing lights/bell sounds block streets like most train tracks.  However, during street mode it slows down and obeys the traffic signals.  So, we get on the train as usual, he takes his seat, and the train takes off.  A few seconds later the train stops at a red light and the following conversation occurs:

Nicholas: What now?

Me: The train has to stop at the red light like the cars and the busses.

Nicholas: No, trains don't do that.

Me: I know other trains don't but this one does.

Nicholas: *pouts* Ah man!

We were soon on our way and he was mostly a happy camper.

He loved the model train and little city.

I tried taking pictures but he was standing on the stroller and instead of being smart and putting on the break I was using my foot as the break so I was a bit shaky. 

I'm not ashamed to admit it, major tantrum for the next 30 minutes at this point.  He did not want to leave the model trains and there was more to do and see.  If it were up to him we would have just stayed there all day but would have missed everything else.  So we spent it mostly stopping at corners to let him scream.  He would calm, we'd continue in a direction he wasn't happy with, and he'd start again.  I thought this was going to be how the rest of the day was going to go and was pleasantly surprised that it did not.

At the opening ceremony.  He was very excited over the live music.

With his sticker.  The one with the pacifire looks better than the one of him sneezing.

Souvenir tin box.

The Train Tour:

The Zephyr!!!  Like at California Adventure... well, like the one they used to have.

Pointing at trains.

Entering the first train.

A game room.

Tables.  For eating, playing, chillin'...

He liked the swivel chairs.

My poor baby thought we would eventually take a seat and go for a ride.

He wanted to sit at the bowl of mac and cheese.

Excitedly looking at the other train.

Ummm....

He loved these couches too.

He was very intrigued by beds on the train.

Very excited to go see "Is a diesel! Is a steamy!"

Much bigger than he bargained for.

At this point I'm begging him to stay for just a second so I can take a picture.

He was really intimidated by the size of these trains.

A whole lot bigger than what it looked like from the window of the other train.

Taking a little rest.

No, I didn't buy him that whistle.  A very 'nice' (either has no kids or hates parents) man at one of the tables was giving them out to kids as they walked by.  How generous...

Before the major tantrum for not going on a ride :(.