Lake fun

We spent the afternoon and evening enjoying Lake Grapevine with the Bunch family.  The kids were ready to get on the water, and the parents were ready to relax! 

We played in water, cruised around the marina, ate dinner on the boat, and watched the firework show.  It was awesome! 

 

Thomas the Tank Engine

I took the boys to see Thomas at the Grapevine Train Depot.  It was quite a big deal for lots of children, and I was amazed at all the fun things to do while we waited on the train ride.

 

 

One tent had a huge miniature train set on display with several of the trains chugging around the track.   

 

 

Another tent had train sets for the kids to play with.  Ryland and Reed enjoyed racing trains and trying out the different tracks.

 

THOMAS!  He arrived to pick us up just in time.  The boys were starting to get a bit anxious.  The ride was about 20 minutes, and the boys were thrilled the entire time.  A conductor came around to meet everyone and hand out junior engineer certificates.

 

As we were getting ready to leave, we had to get another picture, and Ryland wanted a tattoo.  I was happy to oblige and couldn't help but think how much fun this outing had been.  I can't wait to hear what the boys say next time Thomas comes on tv.

The Polar Express

The boys and I took our annual ride on the Polar Express in Grapevine this morning with the GCS Moms' League.  We got there in the nick of time for a quick picture with the Wood girls before boarding the train.

 

 

We found a seat and got comfy for the ride to the North Pole.

Look who came on the train to say Merry Christmas to all the children.  Santa!

Ryland and Reed were thrilled to see Santa, and they were so excited to get a gift from him before Christmas.  Santa had bells for everyone.



 

Ryland and Harker being silly.

 

The best picture of Reed and Keaton.  He thought it was hilarious to pick his nose while we tried to take his picture.

Main Street Festival

Grapevine was having the annual Main Street Festival this weekend, and we thought it would be fun to take the kiddos out for a look. It was overcast and cloudy when we left the house, but it quickly heated up making outside feel like a sauna. We didn't stay long due to the heat and the lack of vendors that were actually set up. I think we were just a little too early. We will try to come back later this weekend.

This little building was Grapevine's first jail. It is right on Main Street, and we couldn't resist locking up the children.

Ryland, Harker, and Jackson also known as Jailbirds.

Obviously Harker is the smarter one, or both her parents could be attorneys. She bails first.

All aboard the North Pole Express

We headed out to Grapevine for some much needed Christmas spirit. We met up with the Woods and the Owens for a little weekend fun. We all attended the North Pole Express gig. It started off with a cute skit and some Christmas jingles and then we all headed for the train. The conductor did a great job of getting all the little ones interested and excited.


SNOW! As we headed to the train, we were led down a path through the trees where it was snowing. It was artificial snow, but it was neat to watch Ryland try to figure out what it was.

The boys are being silly on the way to the North Pole.

We climbed aboard an old authentic train for a little ride. As we traveled down the rails, we listened to the Night Before Christmas.

Ryland, Daddy, and Mom

Lindsey, Jackson, and Rodney

Harker, Sarah, and Robert

I just love Harker's expression. She is so over this train.

Ryland told Santa to check out his bowl full of jelly. Eat your heart out Santa.

Santa was available for pictures after the train ride, so we snapped a quick pic before headed off.

We had a great time, and we look forward to coming again next year. It is a perfect family tradition and will become even more fun as Ryland gets older.