Winter Wonderland

We hit up our neighbors house for the annual Santa Train Food drive.  Of course, we went both Saturday and Sunday (twice).  We took food each time so that's okay, right?  Ryker got about 12 rides this year.  Seth made an unexpected trip home for Saturday.  He was here only here a little over 24 hours, but it was timed just right to get in on the fun.

Ride #1.  Ready to roll!

Pace, Joe, and Seth

Kicked back, waiting for the beverage service

It was freezing and these elves came out and danced their bare legs off every time the train went by.  They have a propane heater in the little hut, but come out and pretend they are building toys for Santa, then dance right when the train gets there.

Ryker crashing the Werder's family photo

 

The Hofheimer and Apple crew met us at the train and came over for lunch and playtime afterward.

Day 2, ride #5.  We got about 12 this year and believe me, it wasn't enough.  He still thinks I cut him short.

Sunday we got to sit in the coal car right behind the engine.  Ryker loved it!  He had a bunch of questions about how the train was running.  Unfortunately, it was only me there to answer them, but I think I did a decent job plus I got a little help from one of the crew.

Ryker with Mr. Schimke himself.  Every boys dream:  A train of your own!

I had to really zoom in to get this shot.  We loaded the train and Ryker took the front seat next to some strangers.  I told him that there wasn't room for Kya and I to sit by him and he pointed out some seats about mid traincar.  Alrighty then.  We were about 6 rows away.  I guess when you go so many times, you get pretty comfortable.  When we got going Lurch, the giant elf you've seen in some of the pictures was squatting down talking to him because he was asking so many questions.  Keep in mind I know Lurch's name, but Ryker doesn't know him.  When we got off the train, Ryker told me that he always wants to sit in front because he likes that big guy and he knows a lot about trains.

Ryker's new buddy

I purposely put Ryker in his BNSF sweatshirt for the day and lots of peopele commented on it, but train owner loved it so Ryker thought he was pretty cool.  It also reinforced to him that his Uncle Ty is pretty cool because he knows all about trains too.

Anacortes Parks and Rec put on a Winter Wonderland Walk this year for the first time.  Groups decorated campsites at Washington Park.  The kids loved it....well all except for the Grinch lurking around behind trees.  Kya thought he was great, but Ryker kept saying "that creepy Grinch is freaking me out!"  We found a not so creepy snowman to get a picture with and finish our hot chocolate and cookies.  Kya will never pose for me because she always wants to look at the stuff we're posing in front of or run at me as in the picture below.

Close enough, at least I got her face this time.  Another fun filled, fantastic weekend leading up to Christmas!