Is there life outside of motherhood? or A Saturday Train Ride

While I sit here at my computer to contemplate what I should share this time I have to ask, "Is there life outside of motherhood?" I started this blog a couple of weeks (and only a couple of posts ago) to share the J's life with everyone who cares to tune in. What I have realized, however, is that the only thing that I have to write about these days is the Adventures of One Jackson F. Durstine. I don't think that I realized before having children that their lives became so busy at a mere 4 years old. Alas, it is what it is!

So, with all of that being said... we went on a train ride this past weekend for Jackson's 4th birthday. Yes, I realize that his birthday was in August, but if you have been to Lexington, SC recently you realize that it is too hot for an unairconditioned train ride in August.

When Jackson woke up Saturday morning he was like a child on Christmas morning. He could barely contain his excitement enough to eat his breakfast! We left around 9:15am to travel to the SC Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, SC. This is about an hour drive from our house, but not a bad trip. When we got to the museum we met up with Gommer Suze (Grandma Suze, Shoes, or as Jenna calls her HaHo), Juddy, and Jackson's Great Grandmother and Grandfather. Juddy immediately purchased our tickets so that we could be first in line. Jason took Jackson to see all of the trains that were parked on the grounds of the museum while we waited.

The train finally arrived from the first outing of the morning, and we were ready to board. Excitement building....until Jackson (and Jenna might I add because she does EVERYTHING her brother does) realized that he did not like the sound of the train. He has a thing about loud noises. I was not sure at this point that he was even going to get on the train because I began to see crocodile sized tears streaming down his face.

Then, it was our turn to board. Juddy took Jackson on the train, and he realized that he could not hear all of the noise inside the train. Again, a kid at Christmas. Since this was Jackson's birthday present from Suze and Juddy we went first class. This means that the train is enclosed and airconditioned. We were also served with drinks and a snack (nice touch). We got to see lots of fun things on the ride, and a good time was had by all.

You might ask..."Where was Jenna during all of this?" Since the world DOES seem to revolve around the 4 year old in the house I will have to add a separate paragraph to incorporate the OTHER child. Jenna had a grand time on the train. She was allowed to eat a chocolate brownie which she got all over herself from head to toe, drink juice from a juice box, and sit with Juddy who gave her COKE of all things. Needless to say, she was PigPen when we exited the train. O yeah, and her diaper leaked on Suze's pants. Score ONE for the mom who did not have a change of clothes for said PigPen. She had a glorious time. I think that she really enjoys the grunge look.