A Christmas train, the Georgetown loop.

Trains. 

I can honestly say I made it almost 30 years on this earth without having much interest in trains, except perhaps for feeling some annoyance when I'd have to wait for a really long one at a crossing. 

One of the unexpected joys of parenting boys is seeing the world through their eyes. I now see the beauty in construction sites, the excitement of a fire truck speeding by, and I have even come to appreciate trains. When both boys started to show an interest a few months ago, I remember asking Julian why little boys like trains so much, and he said, "They are strong, they go fast, they move stuff around, and they make noise."

That's pretty much the check list for what little boys find appealing. 

Their interest has developed into a bit of an obsession lately, so this seemed like the perfect year to start the tradition of a Christmas train ride. 

We kept it a secret until the last minute, if they had been aware of where we were going, they would not have napped in the car due to excitement overload. 

Once we arrived at the train station, I videotaped Max as we woke him up, we explained what we were doing he said, " Our train is going to CRASH!"

What?!

That's not what you want to hear right before a train ride, especially when you are going over this very high, very old bridge. 

Gratefully, our train did not crash. 

Quite the opposite. 

We were welcomed by the gorgeous mountain scenery, it was at the same time sunny but lightly snowing, just beautiful. 

Max said, "That's Mavis!!" Mavis is a character from Thomas the Train, apparently they resemble each other. 

We waited on the platform for our train, the boys were so excited, and I was excited for them. 

Holding hands completely by choice. Makes my heart swell every time. 

"All aboard!"

The conductor let out that classic call, and we made our way onto the train. 

We had our own little table, and a helper elf named Jay. 

When the train let out a whistle and started to move, the little guys' joy was palpable. 

We went over that big bridge, which definitely got some adrenaline pumping, and continued upwards towards the "north pole". Santa stopped by and gave each boy a Christmas bell. 

Mostly we just looked out the windows and took in the beauty. 

The steam train that runs during the summer, a reason to come back for another visit. 

On the way back we went over that bridge again...it was a good chance to say a Hail Mary. 

Showing Sleepy the mountains.

Here we go again! 

We even got a decent family photo and two key chains as a keepsake. 

Trains. 

They are pretty neat after all, especially when seen through the eyes of our little boys.