Thomas!

James and I managed to surprise Ethan this morning. We got up bright and early and headed to Essex where Thomas the Tank Engine was making a special appearance. Somehow when we got there Ethan didn't see Thomas, and they said to be there an hour early, though they didn't open the gates until half hour before our ticket time, so we had to wait in line for close to half an hour.  He knew Thomas was on a map they gave us, but when he saw Thomas in life-size, wow- he was impressed.

 Ethan and James waiting in line for pictures with Thomas the Tank Engine

Picture time with Thomas

Riding the train with Thomas pulling

There were lots of things to do after the train ride. The first thing we did was to go see the fire fighters. Ethan got to try on a helmet and pretend to drive the truck.

Then we met Sir Topham Hat. After that, we saw a model train inside, got a few coloring pages, and headed back out to the clown making balloons.

Ethan managed to get two balloons- he asked for a caterpillar, which I expected to be a straight balloon twisted once for a head- it ended up being a very complex process of twisting and shoving the twisted piece back inside the balloon, then poking a hole in the end so the rest of it shrunk in place. When the clown finished, he told Ethan that it was so small he needed a butterfly too. I wondered if that meant every kid after him had to get two- and there were a lot, we held up the line.

There were also a few rides to try out.  First up was the firetrucks.

After that, the car that looked like a firetruck.  I'd say Ethan had a pretty full weekend.  We also managed some time to play outside and watch a movie (Lady and the Tramp this week). He told me he's going to tell all his friends about Thomas.