Let's Try This Again...

After Bruiser's initial train ride, we had plans to ride another train with Pop-Pop and tour the train museum the very next day. Well due to the never-ending mysterious illness, those plans got "de-railed." So, later in the week, when we thought everyone was feeling better, we headed to to our second train trip of the vacation. It was hot and there were moments where we questioned why we were doing it...but it was fun!

Seeing if we fit in with the Amish...see my reflection under Bruiser's head...weird!

Love Bruiser's excited smile!

Watching them switch the engine

Going for a ride on the little train

Isn't it cute?

While we were visiting, we walked by a shed with its doors open. There were several train cars parked in front of it, blocking the doorway. As we passed it, Daddy caught a glimpse of blue. Yes, that's right, "Momas"! The station has a Thomas event scheduled for September, so they were house the engine in preparation. Daddy thought Bruiser would be absolutely thrilled if we snuck back in and took a peek...so we did...and then we left with a traumatized little boy! Seems Thomas needed a bit of repair and they had removed his face! All we have heard since is "They fix Momas? They fix Momas?" Just another reason why we are not in the running for "Parents of the Year"!

P.S. After the day of reprieve, both Daddy and Bruiser were sick again! We were not meant to go on vacation!

All Aboard!!!!

Last week we headed "home" to the grandparents for a week's visit full of local sight-seeing. It started out well with an exciting, although HOT, visit to a local railroad. Bruiser knew we were going on a "mystery trip" but didn't know where! His face when we pulled into the train station was priceless! That day may have been the highlight of his little life! Thank you, Papa and Mimi!

Arriving at the station

We had tickets aboard the 1:00!

Checking out the tracks

In the caboose

Again, in the caboose

Posing with Uncle J

Tater boarding with Papa and Mimi

Mimi holding onto Bruiser...tightly!

Mommy's favorite picture of her little engineer!

Watching out the window

"Chugga, chugga, choo-choo!"

Uncle J

Miss Wiggles, Auntie M, and Uncle C

In spite of the heat, we all enjoyed watching Bruiser enjoy his adventure!

As I mentioned earlier, the vacation started out great, but quickly down hill! By early Monday morning, both Daddy and Bruiser had caught a stomach bug and Mommy left them at Memaw and Pop-Pop's and headed for germ-free ground at Mimi and Papa's. So the boys spent the vacation sick and the family spent the week split apart.

Daddy has finally (after almost a week) made a full recovery, but Bruiser is still not bouncing back. We headed to the doctor today, who order blood and lab cultures. We will re-check his weight tomorrow and hope it has stabilized and we don't have to head to the ER for fluids. Say a little prayer for us!

Thomas LIVE

Tonight we took Bruiser to see his most favorite thing in the whole entire world - "Momas" (aka Thomas the Train)! He sat and was mesmerized throughout the entire show and was very happy to leave with his new train hat - pics to follow!

Many thanks to Papa and Mimi for having Tater to visit and to D for watching G-Baby so that this evening could be all about Bruiser - he loved the one-on-one time!

When we first arrived in our nose-bleed seats

The stage as we waited for the show to begin

Bruiser seeing "Momas" for the first time!

Thomas, Gordon, and Percy

Percy, Gordon, and James

Thomas and the circus performers

Bruiser watching the show - he was mesmerized!

Percy at the farm

Getting ready for the circus

Party Time!