Train Ride

About a month ago Don found a website called Visit Indiana. Since I was visiting long term I figured I'd make it a part of my life. After looking around on the site I found a railroad station in Connersville, Indiana. They had long trips which sounded fun to me but probably not for a toddler, even a toddler who loves trains as much as Rebekah. So I scrolled down and found the Pumpkin Liner trip. I signed us up. 

The day finally came! We got to the train station and met mom and Frank. Rebekah couldn't contain her excitement! 

Where is that train?!

Here it comes!

Rebe needed to hold the tickets for us.

Don helped her board the train.

And we found our seats.

However a bee also found our seats. Rebekah is still traumatized because of her recent bee sting. Don decided to help. He did not, however, take into account the age of the train and the thinness of the window, and the strength of a swing when the protective instincts of a father take over. (Heaven help the boy who mistreats her....) 

We found a train conductor and explained what happened. Fortunately they were more concerned for Don's arm (which came away remarkably unscathed) and let Don off the hook. 

Here's mom admiring her son's handiwork - no pun intended. 

After the initial shock wore off we returned to pictures of family time.

(Don is almost smiling. I think he is still embarrassed about the window. I'll need to remember that for next family picture....)

There was much looking out the window. Rebekah was mesmerized! 

We got to the hay ride and exited the train. I paused to pay homage to the window....

But quickly moved on to follow Don and Rebe.

She found the caboose and had to ride. 

There were many impressively old vehicles

And Don found this complaint sign he wants to adopt.

Rebe stretched her little body in the warm sunshine

And then there were more family time photos

Neither Don or Rebekah looked like they wanted this one. 

Then there was the hay ride. Rebekah was SO excited to be with her daddy!

How excited?

Very!

Then we found a pumpkin. Rebekah tried to lift it herself but finally got Don to help.

Then there was picture taking

About here Rebekah decided she was done with pictures. Forever.

The crew

Frank, mom, Rebe, me and Don with said pumpkin.

While waiting for the hay ride back to the train, Don tried to wear Rebe out. 

Good luck Don!

Again, I tried for a solo picture of my man. 

Sigh.

So I gave him the camera and told him to get some of me and Rebe.

On the hay ride back

Waving to grandma

We made it back to the train but our seats were taken. Guess everyone wanted to admire Don's handiwork. So we found a different train compartment with new seats.

This one had an open window. Just in case.

Again, Rebe was mesmerized! 

Choo ChOOO!

For your viewing pleasure

While everyone was unloading, there was time for kisses on daddy's chinny chin chin.

We finally got off the train and into grandma's car where Rebekah was presented with a surprise from grandma.

A train bank! She loves her banks!

Then we all realized we were hungry. I tried again to get a solo picture of my man. 

Actually turned out quite rugged and handsome like! Although I know in my heart that's his "are we really gonna do this again" look....

And finally Don and Rebekah studied the menu. With their help we all decided we would get a large supreme pizza.

We ate and talked over the fun day. So glad we did it!

Brown County

Don has been talking about Brown County since we met. Last Saturday we took a last minute trip. It was a good drive (thanks to another Dora dvd) except for some major traffic thanks to some road construction. At one point I got so tired of seeing the boat in front of us I thought I was going to scream. But we finally turned off the road and got to the park. 

Don found a place to pull of and we saw this:

Then there was a little photo shoot.

The weather was a little wet but it was beautiful.

Had to get one of Don with Rebe too.

Don did a lot of serious driving. 

We found another place to pull off.

And a willing picture taker.

Rebe played peek - a - boo around Don's legs

Loved the beautiful colors!

We wanted to do some hiking around the lake but it was too wet and Rebe's feet were already damp. So we didn't go all the way but still got some good shots of the view.

Daddy & daughter

A few from the covered picnic area

At this point Don went up the hill to see the lake. Rebe couldn't wait for him to come back and ran to meet him. She sure loves her daddy.

Don said the lake was really close and we should at least look. So we made our way.

I love a good river view

Getting closer to the lake

The lake

We walked down this path.

Don was concerned Rebekah might slip so he held her hand all the way down. 

It was very steep. I was concerned about me slipping too.

Rebekah came back for me. Awfully nice of her.

There was a little swing by the picnic area. 

She loves a good swing.

At this point I realized I didn't have a lot of good pictures of Don. 

I asked him to oblige me. This is what I got. 

 

Moving on.... We got back to the car and took Rebe's socks and shoes off. I put on new nice warm socks (was very impressed that I had them with me) and paused for a selfie.

Then we went in search of food. While we waited Rebe introduced me to her dad.

They shared a snuggly moment

And played push the honey mustard sauce across the table.

All in all a good day.