Trains, trains, trains

As promised, Reed, Tyson, and I went to the Botanic Gardens on Saturday so Reed could show daddy all the cool trains (choo choo) and so that I could take the pictures I couldn't take on Wednesday due to my lack of batteries! It was great fun :)

All Reed could talk about was "choo choo." He was so excited to see them again. It is cool when you realize that your child remembers things from previous days. He has been capable for a while, but it just hit me again on Saturday how aware Reed has become.

So, Saturday morning we got ready and headed downtown. With my good parking karma (what Tyson calls it) we found a spot across the street! Can't ask for much better, especially with parking in DC. So, we walked to the Botanic Gardens and started our wait to see the trains. On Wednesday there was no line to see the train room, but this was a Saturday. I always forget that people do everything on Saturdays. Although it was nice to see families there - something that I don't see very much around here. We actually stood behind a family with a little boy (maybe 3?) and a 6-week-old little girl! It got me thinking, "Wow! I am going to be that mom in just a little while!" Yeah, I try not to freak out too much, but I am a bit nervous to juggle two kids.

Anyways, during our wait, Reed showed daddy the water and the water fountains that led up to the room. I was grateful that Reed loves water because it kept him occupied for the 10-15 minute wait. I actually really enjoyed the whole thing because plants just make everything seem fresh and new. During Christmastime they also have these displays of various structures in the DC area (capitol, washington monument, white house, houses on capitol hill, lincoln memorial, jefferson....a few others that I am forgetting) that are all made out of plant materials! This was the most amazing thing for me because the buildings look AMAZING! Also, all the buildings in the train room are made from plant materials! It's just so cool what can be made out of plants! Some people are so talented.

When we got into the train room, Reed was in heaven! He just stared at all the trains. He really loved the trains that went above his head and the ladybug-decorated train. He couldn't wait to show daddy all the cool trains. I think he could have stayed there all day! Inside the room there were at least a dozen, if not more, trains and at least 6 different displays. For example, one area had a Santa's workshop (made out of plant materials, of course) and another one was a jungle theme. There was a cool castle near the ceiling and there was another small village. There was even a little cave the kids could go through, just for fun :) So, needless to say, we almost had to drag Reed out when it was time to go.

"Can I look at the water" (p.s. this is his new sweater that I am absolutely in love with....te blue goes so well with his eyes!)

"Wow! A water fountain!"

Posing by the fountain....

"Choo choo!" He was getting a little tired of sitting by the water and just kept saying, "Choo choo!"

The trains above our heads...

Daddy posing while Reed gets distracted with the passing train. (I was a little surprised that Tyson did not get distracted with the train as well. He does have a love for trains...probably as much as Reed loves trains. Again - like father, like son).

Here it comes.....choo choo!

A house in Santa's workshop....so beautiful!

"Oh, there is another train!"

Seeing the other trains, but missing the one right in front of him!

Almost a good family picture, besides the weird look on my face. The lady taking the picture did not count or anything. I had looked down and was in the process of looking up when she took the photo....ah well. At least the boys look cute, right?!

"Look mom - the ladybug train!"

"Where did it go?" (that's the motion he makes when he wants to know where something went)

The caterpillar train

Reed seeing the trains above our heads...

"Look dad."

"Whoa!"

They have that same look on their faces again....like father, like son :)

The jungle train....there was a dolphin jumping through the water and even a monkey swinging in a tree!

The castle (made out of plant materials!)

We walked through the rest of the Gardens (all indoor....thank goodness) and Reed loved the waterfall (not surprising) and just walking around in general :) We ended at the large Christmas tree they have at the entrance with a trains going around the base. Reed loved watching it and even had a certain spot picked out where he wanted to stand. He even made his way through a crowd of kids to get to the this certain spot where you first see the trains coming from behind the tree! He also made friends with a lady and was showing her how the train comes out from behind the tree! Ah, kids....it just made me laugh :)


Reed and the waterfall...one of my favorite pictures of the day....a bit modelesque

Watching the train around the big Christmas tree...

The tree...

The houses of Capitol hill at the base of the tree....

To end our adventure downtown, we walked by the Capitol and saw the huge Christmas tree they have in front of it. I just love all the Christmas decorations around everywhere. I really do love this time of year. It seems that everyone tends to be a little bit nicer (aside from when they are standing in line for presents) and people tend to give a little bit more. Even though it's not actually when Jesus was born, I do love celebrating Jesus' birth at this time of year. It just makes me happy! I am also grateful that I have a family of my own to share this special time with - Reed loves to see nativities and baby Jesus in the manger. It's amazing how fast kids catch on to the important things in life :) Merry Christmas!


The Christmas tree...

Reed and I with the Christmas tree (it's the exact same picture, but with people in it....weird).