Trains, Tractors and FISHING! or Christmas with a 3 year old.

A pictorial recap of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house - Lots of cleaning and last minute preparations were underway.

Boogie was nestled all snug in my bed, watching claymation Christmas stories, eating popcorn and tracking Santa on NORAD.

I, on the other hand, could only dream of a long winters nap!While the little guy tried as hard as he could to stay awake to see Santa, he finally nodded off. He awoke to more boxes then he could imagine and he had a wonderful time ripping off wrapping.Lots of Thomas and train related stuff, race cars, tractors, books, clothes and DVD s. Mommie knitted him a cardigan and matching hat from a wool/mohair blend. He didn't want to take it off, despite it being quite warm I am certain.Grandpa also got him a fishing game like the one he obsesses over at the cabin and it has been going almost non stop since it was opened.

After a nice Prime Rib cooked on the wood stove (nice and rare, just how I like it!) with home made rolls, veggie and potato and a bit of a clean up, I set up a TV and DVD player in Boogie room so he can watch his Thomas DVD s as much as he would like. We have home made chocolate for dessert and Mommie may just have a Jager Bomb or two!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL, A GOOD NIGHT!

Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train

Last Monday, the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train made an afternoon stop on Marquette, Iowa which is just across the river from Prairie du Chien. They collect money and food donations for various local food pantries as they pass through.

The engine itself, aside from being decorated, was an unremarkable diesel engine.

There are a number of illuminated cars and then some vintage box and Pullman cars.

A band performed from one of the boxcars and Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with the crowd and passed out candy canes.

The Boogie-man had a minor meltdown when he was not able to actually ride on the train, fortunately nothing too serious and he really enjoyed the music.

We visited with Santa this morning in town. Boog only got close enough for a high 5 and a sack of goodies. We attempted the free showing of 'Polar Express' but even with popcorn, only managed about 20 minutes before we couldn't sit still or be quiet. I think we will wait until the summer series before we try again!

East Troy Electric Railroad

With the passing of Labor Day, shorter days and cooler nights, one thing is certain, Grandpa will be heading south soon. So after chores I packed up the cooler with soda, juice and snacks for Boogie and I, a few fresh veggies and some home made cottage cheese for Bill, climbed into the go cart and headed across the state.

We met up with Grandpa at the cabin and headed over to East Troy, Wisconsin to take our little train fanatic for a ride on an historic electric rail line.

We located the train station, despite the GPS informing us it did not exist, and then grabbed a bite of lunch. Boogie fueled up on a favorite of toddlers every where, grilled cheese, 'fench fies' and chocolate milk.

Then we boarded a 100 year old trolley, made in Minneapolis, lovingly and proudly (if not so authentically) maintained and operated by volunteers. Boogie was very excited to actually be riding a Choo Choo! We headed off down the line and after about 300 yards, came to a complete halt. After 100 years of service the trolley decided to wait for us to board to decide to break down!

We were able to limp back to the station and after a very short delay, boarded train cars that ran on the Chicago elevated tracks through the early 1970's.

It was pretty neat to take my son on his first train ride in cars similar to those I rode on as a child. Yes, I'm that old.

The turn around point for the short round trip is a specialty food shop/orchard/greenhouse (aka tourist trap) called the Elegant Farmer. They are known for their 'baked in a paper bag apple pie' that, in addition to it's unusuall cooking method has a top crust which is more like a short bread cookie then a traditional pie crust. Unbelievably yummy and not recommended for those seriously counting calories. I, on the other hand, bought the largest one they sell and have plans to make some vanilla ice cream to go with it. If I keep this up they will need a piano box to bury me!

After, we went back to the cabin to relax a bit. Boogie adores his grandpa and loves spending time with him. I think Grandpa kinda likes the little guy too, they are quite the pair. I hope we can squeeze one more visit in before he heads south.
Finally, since I am more likely to gripe about his tantrums, the messes he makes and the artwork he creates in inappropriate place, I just want to say that Boogie was incredibly well behaved throughout the whole day. I know that being patient and resisting temptation at a place like the Elegant Farmer is an heroic accomplishment for a boy who is 'almost' 3 years old!
Way to go Boogie. Mommie is very proud of you!