Another day at the children's museum

Early January and all that he can talk about is his birthday party (which will take place on February 23!). Every single day that he's not at school, well, it must be his birthday party weekend! So, we've got about five more weekends to fill before the big swim party and it has become an exercise in keeping him busy. The Children's Museum is always perfect for a full day's fun and activity. We went swimming yesterday afternoon, our usual Sunday activity, and that proved interesting -- "I'll just wait here in the pool until my party, ok?".

Riding the rails

On Thursday, we rode the train up to the Children's Museum in Normal, IL. Kellan had been looking forward to this for weeks. The simple things that are so important when you're three.

He wore his train sweater (of course) and we waited around the station for a long while because the train was late. As usual. I wouldn't want to actually have to rely on the Amtrak. I have never known it to be anything like on time and even when they say that they are "on time" they're running thirty minutes behind. But, I'll spare you my rant on the Amtrak. Just don't use it if you have a schedule to keep. Still, when you're three, waiting around the station in anticipation of your train (and watching the big truck across the road load cars!) is all part of the fun and the journey.








The journey to Bloomington took 90 minutes (longer than scheduled, but I won't get started on the Amtrak again!). Kellan enjoyed every minute. He even brought his own trains to play with on the train!









We arrived at the Children's Museum (eventually) and had a few hours to spend enjoying the change of scene. I do prefer our usual museum, but its nice to try something different every now and again. And, anyway, I think that we're heading for our own Children's Museum today!







At the end of a fun day, we waited on the platform to catch the train back to Springfield. Which was only 25 minutes late ("on time") I have to say! It was a wee bit chilly.




An exhausted and cold boy manages a weak smile at sight of the train's arrival.




The journey home was magical. The sun was setting over the snow covered prairie in orange bursts of flame that faded to a soft pink glow and, eventually, the grey shades of nightfall. The train rolled along at its leisurely pace, quiet and warm inside, everybody captured by nature's close of day spectacle outside their windows. It happens every day, but we don't often have the time to simply watch the passing moments, nothing to do and nowhere to go. The woman seated behind us began to sing in a voice like Rosemary Clooney, soft and sweet, lovely melodies to accompany the passing miles. Kellan laid back and gently fell asleep as we rolled along. And I relaxed, filled my soul and mentally captured each moment, as we rode the rails back home to Springfield -- a place that I am learning to live with, even if not quite "love" just yet.

Baking cupcakes

We had friends over to play this morning and Kellan wanted to bake them his specialty: Thomas cupcakes! What a treat for five little boys to enjoy. So, before everybody arrived, and still in his pajamas, Kellan got down to work.









He was very excited about spooning in the mixture. Very. This step took a bit of time. What with all of the excitement and everything. And having to stop and talk about it in between each and every single cup.




Watching them bake! Luckily they're quick ones. We might have spent the morning in front of the oven otherwise. Then again, its warm in front of the oven, so not a bad place to hang out on a January morning.



They are cool and ready to frost.




Applying the Thomas sugar plaques -- the final touch.



Kel was so pleased with himself, that he even took a photo of the final product!

Its cold outside

We were getting dressed to head out this morning when Kel asked me to take his picture. And so, I did...