Cole's first train show

Cole has loved trains as far back as I can remember. When he was barely walking, he carried around a train everywhere he went and his enthusiasm for trains has only grown since then.

While he says he's "too old" for Thomas the Tank Engine now, he LOVES model trains, videos of trains, and books about trains. He had never been to a train show, so when one came to Fairfax in August, I knew I had to take him.

He was in heaven. 

The other kids weren't as into it as Cole, but they were a good sport and definitely enjoyed the various displays.

While we were there, we managed to find a couple new cars for his Polar Express set he received for Christmas last year. He was very excited to add to his collection!

I think my favorite trains were these teeny tiny ones. They were the cutest things I've ever seen!

There were tons of vendors there, selling everything from extra pieces to tools to collectors pieces.

Some of the displays were quite creative! This one in particular made me laugh

Because why not aliens? 

While we were in town, we met with my Mom at the mall and had dinner together! I didn't get any group pictures, but I did manage to get some pictures of the kids enjoying yet another train while we waited to meet Grandma:

Merry-go-round!

Stephen and Mom both joined us at Cheesecake Factory for a delicious dinner together. 

I'm sure we will be back in 6 months to enjoy the train show again!

First Day of School!

August 23rd marked the start of new for these boys:

Lance started 6th grade, becoming our first Middle Schooler!

Jude started 2nd grade.

Cole started Kindergarten!

These two boys were super excited!

Cole was so excited he could hardly stand still.

Old hat for this guy.

Lance wasn't too sure about starting Middle School, but put on a brave face on his way to the bus stop.

 Waiting for the bus. We have a good group of kids in the morning.

Jude was super sweet and held Cole's hand to help him get to the bus.

As I've done for Jude and Lance, I raced the bus to the school so I could be there when they got off.

Cole was a bit starry-eyed coming off the bus...

 Walking to class

We found his seat and sat down. He was a bit overwhelmed at first...

Classic "deer in the headlights". Poor kid was sitting across from another little boy that was having a complete melt-down (think heaving sobs, crying for mom). Cole had been okay up to the point, but you could see the wheels turning as he watched this kid cry. 

He cheered up a bit after a minute.

Even managed to give me a small smile before I had to run home.

Oh my heart. Please have a good day, sweet boy. 

Lily, Lexi and I met some friends at a local coffee shop that morning to let the girls play and the moms chat. It was a nice way to distract from all the misgivings I've had about Cole and how he would do in school.

The girls were loving the extra attention! 

The day was a success! The boys all came home happy and excited about the year ahead. A mama's prayers answered!