Train riders

The kids had a blast riding the train to Rock Hill for a visit. Thanks for picking us up and dropping us back at the station, D!

More Trains

The other thing that they have at the railroad museum is a model train area. Jack was absolutely enthralled, and he made several laps around it chasing Thomas the Tank engine! All of the other little boys were similarly engaged. Needless to say, he was pretty tuckered out for the car ride home.

Lily didn't really care too much for the model trains, but she did like to roam around. She even managed to find the one muddy spot.

Train Ride

Cindy had a great idea, and so we took the kids to the New Hope Valley Railway. It was perfect weather. First we got to see the steam engine getting re-fueled, played a little on the caboose, then we boarded the open cars. We expected to have to sit on Jack to get him to stay in the car, and he was true to form in the station. But when the train started moving, he got really serious and sat very still, primarily in Mama's lap. Lily just loved the soothing motion of the train and almost went to sleep.

Here's some links to some videos of the train:

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4
Video 5

Reunion at the Old Tyner Place

Pictures from our visit to the Old Tyner Place. Jack (and parents) had a big, cold time.

We've got more pictures; did anyone get a website together to put everybody's pictures?

Grandfather Mountain

On Saturday, we went up to Grandfather Mountain. We saw some of the wildlife (bears, cougars, deer, and a bald eagle) up close and Cindy and Paul went over the "Mile High Swinging Bridge." Well, Cindy just "went"; Paul gritted his teeth and managed to stumble across. Cindy kept stopping to make helpful suggestions like "Look, Paul. It's not that far down." And then there's the ever popular "Wow, isn't it fun when the bridge sways like that"! On the way back she made Paul pose for a picture. He may look casual, but there are dents in the metal railing from his grip!
Never fear, Jack was safely ensconced in Jane's arms at the base of the bridge area. He had a nice nap, she said. We saw several people carrying their small children in their arms across the bridge. We could just imagine the child doing a patented squirm and "Weeeeeeeee", off the bridge they would go.

First Snow! Second tooth!

We went to visit Jane and Bill (Paul's Aunt and Uncle) in the NC mountains for a week this October. Jane and Bill went on a cruise, so Jack helped Paul and Cindy to take care of Jane and Bill's kitties. While we were there, he got to see his first snow! It was just a skiff of snow, but it was bitterly cold! Jack helped Mom and Dad feed the goldfish on a really cold day. He loved to play with the empty cola bottle, and he showed off his new tooth! (Since it's his second tooth, we call it the "twoph"). He was also fascinated by the pile of magazines, and as you can see, he almost disappeared under them. Thanks Jane and Bill! The stay was great!

Frank (Tyner) Family Reunion

The Jack had fun at his family reunion. When we first got there, a bunch of people gathered around to see Jack, and he was a little scared. Gradually he warmed up and let himself be held by some other people. He played in the floor for a while and loved his new books (Thanks, Beth and Family!). Paul and Cindy had a great time visiting with everyone. Eventually Jack got sleepy, but having a nap was not a happening thing, so Cindy had to carry him back downstairs and hold him swaddled in his blanket. He thought he was King of the Party!

Thanks Kyle and Richard for hosted such a fun party!

The next day, he got to wear his Halloween outfit and play with his cousins. Don't you just love the "ghost" hat! My favorite is the Frankenstein hat (See above post). We let him wear his Halloween stuff often, because of course it won't fit for long!

Jack goes to the Georgia Aquarium!

We went to the Georgia Aquarium on June 21 (Paul and Cindy's Anniversary). We got the behind the scenes tour from one of the vets at the aquarium, because Paul knows them from consulting on a sick whale. It was really a lot of fun! That place is amazing! If you ever go, pay the extra money and get the behind the scenes tour. It's worth it!

As always, Jack was perfect, but it was WAY more than he cared to see in one trip!