Train Day

About a week ago, our good friend Katherine asked whether we would like to join her on a trip to the Baltimore & Ohio train museum. She knew that Tyler absolutely loves train (inherited from his Grandpa Smith) and was sure he would enjoy it there. She was meeting with her grandsons, Liam and Shawnie, who are also into trains, along with their parents. Katherine's son, Rick, also joined us for a day of trains. If you haven't visited the Baltimore & Ohio train museum and you like trains, this is must-see. There is an overwhelming amount of trains there. Trains from all different periods of time that are in perfect shape. There is even a train ride that you can take! The main part of the museum is in an actual round house from the 1800's. The tracks are still present and the mechanical parts still visible in the middle of the building. Just when you thought there couldn't possibly anymore trains, there's MORE!!! They have a several trains outside that you can walk through and explore. It really puts into perspective the life of a railroad engineer, especially back in the 1800's when they had to operate those massive engine with practically no visibility of what is in front of you or on the track! Tyler really enjoyed seeing all the mechanics associated with the big old engines. He was asking us questions about what all the knobs were for and what they did. Liam and Tyler were in their glory in the train museum. It was a little boy's dream come true to see so many trains up close and to actually go on them. However what was a big hit was the little Thomas the Train Engine track set up in the round house. At first, we didn't notice it amongst all the massive trains in the building, but once the boys laid their eyes on it, they just had to go over and play awhile. After all, this is probably what brought their interest in trains in the first place. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the B&O train museum, however after a couple of hours we were starting to get hungry. So we all met up with Katherine's daughter, Diane, who works in the area. We ate at a market that was like a really neat food court, but cooked everything fresh. Everything looked so good, but Steve and I, chose the lump crab cakes recommended by Katherine. One word to describe them is YUM!!! They definitely hit the spot. After we said goodbye to Diane, Liam, Shawnie and their parents, we drove back to Katherine's home where we warmed up with hot beverages and Tyler made some train cookies with train cookie cutters. He did a really good job! They turned out really good. Then we enjoyed a really nice dinner at the Texas Roadhouse. We sat by a mural on the wall with a painting of a train. How perfect to end our 'Train Day'. Thanks so much, Katherine, for a wonderful day!!!