On a bright Spring afternoon, Penny Jones and I headed down to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center with my friend Malena and her son, Carson. They told us we could see trains and take a ride, and boy, it did not disappoint.
We got there after naptime, and had to run for the train as it was leaving the station. We took our seats on the outdoor car, and I think by not stopping to look at it, Penny didn't wholly process that we were on a real choo choo train.
I tried to explain it, but it wasn't until the 15 minute journey paused and we were able to get off momentarily and look at the train before heading back, that she truly understood.
And then she got really excited.
On the way home, the loud train sounded "choooo choooo" and Penny burst into hysterical cackling, throwing her head back again and again. What was there to do, but join her?
Eventually, we regained our composure.
After the ride, we headed into the museum to check out their beautiful collection of old diesels.
Penny looked so small next to them. We all did!
We headed out the front door to explore the yellow caboose.
Then we went back inside to play with their toy train set.
We were there past 5 o'clock, when they closed. The volunteers followed us out and Penny cried because it was over, much to their amusement. Once home, her Daddy asked her how she like it and Penny just stood in the front yard, saying "doo doo, doo doo, doo doo" (her words for choo choo) in some sort of trance, for quite some time. Luckily, while we were there, Malena booked Carson a birthday party at the Heritage Center! So we will be going back. It sure was a special mama/daughter date for Penny and me. She's still talking about it, a week later.
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