Banks Family

In May, the Banks Family went on two train-filled activities, the first at Lake Metroparks Farm Park for their annual “Railroads in the Parks,” as well as the miniature steam-powered engines that you can ride through the woods at nearby Penitentiary Glen Reservation. At Lake Farm Park, various gauges of model trains were on display in the main building, but we still had time for David’s first pony ride.

Two weeks later, we couldn’t miss “Day Out with Thomas” at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. David had a spring cold and touch of fever that weekend, but enjoyed it nonetheless, a big fan of Thomas and friends (lately, Hank is his engine du jour). Sheryl and I thought the event was a little too commercial, and we’d probably prefer to ride the train here when Thomas is away.

Note to parents: Tickets are for the train ride; you can simply bask in the commercial glow of Thomas merchandise and other activities for free. On board the train, most of the kids we saw were impatient with looking out the window and at each other after about 10 minutes — an experience like being trapped in a large car with a huge family. Maybe the Polar Express event is more interesting.

View all photos from May 2009 in our media gallery.

Featured Videos

1. Sometime this month, we pulled out all the wheeled toys out of the garage, drew train tracks on the driveway with chalk, and played Thomas outdoors. As always, there was trouble on the tracks. Luckily, no one was hurt. Quickly edited by Daddy, with a nudge and wink for the background soundtrack.
2. This is followed by the video of Thomas the Tank Engine pulling in. You get to see David smile, but that’s about as exciting as it gets. No strollers allowed on board, thank you.

Trouble on the Tracks
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Day Out with Thomas
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