The minute Thomas pulled into the station one little boys dreams came true. The little boy glowed from the inside as though he swallowed a light bulb. This little boy stared at Thomas for what seemed like hours. He talked to him and asked him politely what he thought of James and the other engines. He examined the wheels and the puffy cloud that floated above the little blue engine. Thomas pulled into the station every 25 minutes.He took children for a delightful ride through the forest. Little Indians and large plastic Buffalo's posed realistically in the brush. Thomas music played throughout the park and i found myself singing along. You should have seen the look on these children's faces when they saw Thomas. It was as though nothing else mattered.
We arrived at the Tweetsie railroad starved and already tired from the long ride in the car. Sam suggested we get something to eat before entering the park (boy was he right). I declined the idea because i was anxious to get out of the car and just "get there." Sam definitely had the right idea. We soon realized that all the eating establishments were lined with people that just wanted to "get there" too. The line to eat an overpriced pizza was over 30 minutes and the empty tables were few and far between. It was a funny sight to see familys hovered over other familys eating; ready to pounce once the table was vacant.
Ethan and Samuel had a blast. They visited the Thomas tattoo parlor. Ethan sported James proudly on his forearm along with the left over tattoo's from VBS. Samuel picked out Harold for his tattoo choice. Staring at the stroller parking area was hilarious. You could truly have your pick of any type of stroller imaginable. I loved that my stroller folded into a backpack and fit comfortably on my shoulder in hard to get to places.
We contemplated not going to Thomas since Sam was only going to be in town for a day and the trip was well over 3 hours long. But we managed to dismiss any excuses when we read that Thomas wasn't going to be back in town for another year. Besides, Ethan is the biggest Thomas fan ever. I thought, what if this time next year that little engine magic and fascination is gone. Well, nevertheless, we went and he enjoyed his cake and ice cream too. Sam took the boys on the Farris wheel which creeps me out. I don't know what it is about those things, but i just hate them. Maybe in my old age i am becoming a
wimp. I will ride roller coasters, but there is something about a Farris wheel that is just creepy. Does anyone else feel the same way? We ate dipping dots ice cream next to an Indian tepee. That was great until the boys mixed spit with dirt and started playing with it. Little boys, rocks, and spit go together like Pb& J. It's hardwired into them. If they see a rock they are over come with this incredible overwhelming urge to throw it.
The boys took pictures with sir Topham hat and coincidentally we exited through the gift shop. Ethan picked out out some souvenirs while Sam and Ethan took a quick ride on the ski lift. The ride home was very long. Vienna, bless her heart, was so well behaved. When she fussed, Samuel, was eagerly stuffing her Binky back into her mouth. On the way back home the outline of Grandfather mountain was a beautiful sight. The experience for Ethan was priceless. I know he will never forget the day he met Thomas.