A Day out with Thomas

Every summer, the Mt. Hood Railroad partners with the makers/owners/producers of the Thomas the Tank Engine super-franchise (you know the one... of recent lead paint recall fame...) and they bring a "lifesize" "Thomas the Tank Engine" to Hood River to pull five or six passenger trains up and then right back down, going backwards, a few-mile stretch of the railroad.

Which of course we parents eat up. Because, you know. Lifesize Thomas.

And also: here, take all of my money. Want More? Where's the ATM? (looks around wildly.)

We went last year, and met up with some friends from school: the Berglers and the Mawdsleys. This year, we met up with the Walleens, who quite possibly cuss AND enjoy their booze more than we do. Perfect! It's like we've found our dream friends.

Last year, I booked us in a vintage Pullman car, with small seats and tiny windows. We all very nearly melted. This year, I ditched the nostalgia and went for the open, breezy and not-so-safe open car, which despite my clutching to Cameron for dear life for 20 minutes, was quite a hit.

The tracks! THE TRACKS RIGHT THERE!

Sir Topham Hatt, the Superintendent of the Railroad

We hung out with Cooper and Marley (and Greg and Nichole) that evening. Cooper had these cool little bike-things called plasmas which are a hoot.

The next day, we found the World's Second Coolest Wine Tasting Place Ever.

We could taste/drink/buy wine AND pick the season's last of the strawberries from the U-Pick farm. We took some to school this morning and they are so good.

And also, all gone.