For the love of Thomas
Is it possible to plan an entire weekend around a fictitious blue train whose face is completely immobile with the exception of his lidless eyes? I tell you, it is.
The fam and I have been in Lancaster, PA for the past few days. What’s in Lancaster, you ask? Well, my friends, only the very wonderful children’s amusement park, Dutch Wonderland, which happens to currently be showing “Thomas and Friends Live” at the “Really Useful Theater.” Lancaster also boasts the Strasberg Railroad which has not only a running steam engine but, oh yes, a FREAKING THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE TOY STORE. No seriously, an entire store that is entirely devoted to Thomas…and his friends.
So yeah, wee bit exhausted here. This was the first time we have stayed in a hotel since Sam was born. But I have to say the whole trip was pretty pleasant. I would hope so when planning an entire three days around the obsession and love of a three year old. Pictures now. Perhaps video of the Thomas toy store and Sam’s response to it another day this week.
Sam with His Love and the series of vehicles ridden in the short span of 1 1/2 days…
Oh, right, we have another child too! Robby got to ride the little train, the riverboat, and his stroller. Have I mentioned before that he is the neglected second child? But look how happy!
And there’s some steam engine for ya. Like I said, I’ll try and get that video of the Thomas toy store up later this week because I know you don’t believe me - you don’t understand the extent to which it was filled with Thomas paraphernalia the likes of which only my son could dream. You don’t understand that we now have to take out a second mortgage on our house. You won’t understand until you’ve seen the horror the beauty of a Thomas addict in paradise. But for now, I must recuperate.
Dutch Wonderland is a wonderful place! It was funny seeing your pictures from all the same rides that I took pictures on a couple weeks ago!! Have you seen Thomas in Strasburg? We go every December, but I think he also comes in June or July sometime. Oh my gosh talk about the big eyes and loud squeals!! That store is fun, but I am always quite a bit poorer when we leave. My son is almost outgrowing the train stage ! Thanks for sharing the fun pictures.
Have you gone to the Hands on House yet? It is lots of fun!
Great pictures! We aren’t far from there, and we love Dutch Wonderland! Haven’t been to the Thomas store, though - we’ll have to check it out! (Although my son is OBSESSED with Thomas so I better bring my credit card!)
Tiring but fun, huh?
Mike
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Love the photos. Your boys are so sweet.
I love that there is a place called Dutch Wonderland.
Someday, you’ll have to go to a Day Out With Thomas, where they have a LIFE-SIZED Thomas train you can ride. Our boys have been to three of them over the years, and the merchandising just about kills us.
Looks awesome. And I have to say your husband is adorable!
I hope you are feeling recovered as I can only imagine how tiring the whole affair must have been although it sounds satisfying as well!
When you said you were going to Lancaster I thought it was to see the Amish. Aren’t they there too?
The Thomas stuff though, wow, you are a dedicated mother. Those two boys are adorable btw.
We went to Dutch Wonderland last summer and the kids loved it. We will be going back next month, I think. Although we have minimal experience with Thomas, seeing as we have three girls!
Lucky for us, neither of my kids are Thomas fans. So, during our trip out there they were just happy to ride a train, any train!
Looks like you had a great time!
so cute! we’ll have to take the boy-child there to off-set all the times his big sisters will dress him up like a princess
Oh… I miss the Thomas days…
Corinne likes them, but isn’t obsessed like Justin was.
I’ll bet you just made Sam’s dreams come true! Awesome vacation.
My kids would DIE! Simply die! That or they would convulse on the ground do to happiness overload.
And, I almost peed myself over the neglected second child, i have one of those too…if I could find him…
What perfect rapture on those faces! Dutch Wonderland sounds like a really useful locale…Why do I now have the theme song in my head?
Will have to show this to my twosome tomorrow to see if I can reinvigorate flagging (getting too old?
) interest!
Kisses to that crew…and to James, and Percy, and Henry, and Lady….
Oh yes- we’ve done this! And it was so worth it!
Steph
also home to The Innocence Mission. my favorite band!
Heh… we have entirely MISSED this mania, what with the three girls etc…
Even my two year old who is much enamored of trains doesn’t seem to give much of a hoot for Thomas.