Lewie Meets Thomas the Train!

Last Sunday, our son Lewie had a chance to meet Thomas the Train and receive his little Junior Engineer Certificate.  For the past few months, Lewie knew he would be meeting Thomas in person, so the anticipation of seeing him steadily grew, and grew, and grew up until the final moment!

Indeed, there were no disappointments.  The Day Out with Thomas (part of the Go Go Thomas Tour 2013) was so much fun!  We arrived about an hour before our train ride, so we could enjoy some of the other amusements. They had ice cream, cotton candy and food vendors; a fun house, merry-go-round, and car ride; and, of course, above all, they had trains!  With Lewie being such a train aficionado, we didn't have to worry about standing in long lines for the rides; he was content just looking at the trains (or more specifically, the trains' wheels).

My husband and I smiled from ear to ear the whole day as Little Lewie's enthusiasm was contagious.  Everything made him shake with excitement--seeing Thomas, watching the engineer shovel coal into the firebox of a steam train (located on the opposite end of Thomas), listening to the steam train's loud whistle and Thomas's little whistle, handing his train tickets to get punched, and riding the train while listening to Thomas talk to us on the intercom.

After our train ride, my two Lew's went to get ice cream, while I took a look around the Thomas the Train gift shop.  Consequently, Sir Topham Hatt was there to greet all the visitors...

Thomas proved to be a "really useful engine" that day as he made Lewie one of the happiest little boys on the planet.  Who would have thought a child's happiness could bring so much happiness to our own hearts?  Well, there's no doubt about it, our "fireboxes fizzled" with joy! (Note: Please don't feel obligated to view all the pictures and videos...He was just so excited that I couldn't put down the camera.)

Having lunch before meeting Thomas.

Lewie and Daddy pointing to the Essex Train Station on the map.

Me and my little guy at the restaurant.

Lewie sporting his Thomas the Train Overalls.

"Hey Everyone, Look it's Thomas."

Admiring his "James" train tattoo.

Checking out the steam engine on the opposite side of Thomas.

Thomas pulling in from one of his trips.  His eyes moved, and he whistled to everyone!

Waiting patiently...

Lewie took a picture of us on the train.

Well "Buff My Bumpers"...It's Thomas on the intercom!

The best train ride ever!

Lewie meeting Thomas.

Lewie explaining how a train's wheels work.

Lewie enjoying the train ride.