Since Nolan is a lover of all things trains (or "choo-choo" as he affectionately calls them), we spend the Saturday of Memorial Day up in Old Town Sacramento at the train museum. This fun idea was originally born when I heard that we could take the Amtrak Zephyr from Martinez to Sacramento, visit the train museum, then ride it home. Then I discovered how much that round trip train ticket would cost for our family and we decided...road trippin instead! Which is fine because we actually made it quicker than we would have in the train. Trains are so old school :)
In the actual museum, Nolan was terrified of the big trains. I guess it is one thing to watch Chuggington or Thomas or play with your teeny fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand trains, but to see the actual thing tower over you is another. He kept asking to go "hoooommmmeee" (said in my best Nolan imitation). I think he may have calmed down a bit and Reagan loved them. When we got to the second level, his attitude changed completely. This is where they have the tiny model railroads and also 4 train tables completely decked out with everything Thomas the Tank Engine. They played for an hour and would have for several more, if it wasn't time to go. Matt and I watched, took photos and snuck in several pieces of salt water taffy from Candy Heaven. I think I had around 40 pieces that afternoon alone. If sugar really is a poison like that one guy says, then my liver surely is surrounded by fatty tissue by now.
There is a real steam engine train that you can ride that is about 40 minutes long and goes along Sacramento River. It was just okay, in my opinion, but much cheaper than the Zephyr. We passed the marina, which means we passed several boats, which means Nolan yelled out, "BOOOOAAAAATTTT" several times. He loves to really draw out his "oooo" sound.
Back in the museum, here is Reagan in front of what looks like Chuggington (their current favorite show). This weekend was actually the Jazz festival in Old Town, so we heard loud jazz music wherever we went. There were tons of old people. Jazz music = old people. Sorry, but its true.
Definitely not New Orleans here, but lots and lots of bead necklaces. Reagan grew obsessed with these things and of the 6 we took home, 3 were broken by nightfall.
Going around Old Town was fun, but not a really great kids venture. I remember the last time we went to Old Town, Reagan was about 8 weeks old and it was MUCH easier! This time, I had to have snacks 24-7 just to keep my kids in the stroller, which didn't fit in any store anyways. But really the best store is the candy shops. I bought a bunch of salt water taffy and Reagan got a huge candy necklace. Reagan loves to store her sweets in the bottom drawer of her dresser. Apparently, little brother found out because the next day that drawer was licked clean! And it wasn't Matt nor I, soooo....
We ate dinner with my BYU roommate Jamie and her family. Her daughter is around the same age as Reagan and they hit it off! So very cute. We loved seeing them and as I watched all 3 of their children down a veggie filled sandwich, I realized my kids eat way too much junk. :)
The next day was Sunday and we had a blast at a block party that night with some friends, the Taylor's. They live in a cul-de-sac and have block parties a few times a year. There were tons of kids, so Reagan and Nolan ran around the entire time. We bbq'd steak and chicken and had a huge fire pit. The kids eyed the cupcakes the entire night and after almost zero bites of real food, they were given one of these. So spoiled. Next time, it is veggie sandwiches for them!
On Monday we went to another bbq with friends and had a really great lunch! We had such a fun weekend. Much better than last Memorial weekend, when we moved into our new place. This past 12 months is the only year of my life I would never re-live. Nah, it wasn't that bad. Well, actually yes, it kind of was. But life is really good now and we are living it up, homies :):)
Woohoo! Happy Memorial Day!
What are the ingredients for getting your kids to run laps? A month ago I would have said nothing can get my children to do that unless you dangle a cookie or popsicle in front of them. However, now I know. Another mom in our stake has organized a running club. During the summer, they meet every Monday morning at a nice park and the kids run laps for an hour. Sounds fun, right?? Oh my goodness, the kids have such a blast. All you need is a punch card and your good. The punch card is key. Our first week I had no idea what to expect. I thought maybe Reagan would make it a lap or two before declaring she was done. I thought good thing they have a playground so Nolan doesn't get too bored because he will NEVER run a lap. Both my kids surprised me, though. Each lap is a quarter mile and each punch card is 20 punches or 5 miles. Reagan finished the entire card the first day! Not even joking, she ran 5 miles. She did get a big blister on her toe from it that has popped and bled all over, causing her extreme anxiety :) Nolan ran a mile and a half, which for a 2 year old, pretty much rocks. We love running club, it is a genius idea. 
We went to Six Flags with the Berrett's last week. The kids have so much fun and we love going with friends. My battery died on the camera there, so thanks to Laura for supplying me with some darling pics of the kids. Unfortunately for readers, I am in some of them. Seriously, when did I start looking so old? I blame it on owning a house :)
We are loving summer!
