Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

In case you missed it, my son is officially obsessed with trains. In a month or so we will celebrate his birthday with a “Choo Choo I’m 2” party – there was absolutely no question about the theme of this party.

Trains seem to pop up lots of places, and even when they didn’t Bright could often (not always) satisfy his choo choo fix. Roller coasters looked enough like trains to appease him, and my son must not be the only one with the obsession because trains of all kinds spring up quite frequently at tourist locations.

We even watched and rode Disney's monorail when we were on Disney property. We also packed up some trains and tracks from home and took them on our trip, and we were so glad he did. He took Thomas to Sea World, and he has even started requesting to sleep with a Choo Choo. The last two nights he has even asked for train track in his crib, but that's where this momma drew the line, but I couldn't help but laugh. I wouldn't even dare guess how many times this little guy says "Choo Choo."

Looking at some of these pictures even makes him smile followed by a spirited, “Please!” Which we interpret to mean either take me back to that train or even better could you buy that for me?

Spring Break 2010: Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park was close enough to our overnight driving stop, that we decided to visit it on the way home. None of us had ever been to Mammoth Cave. Because we are all early risers now, we did some minor hiking on trails right outside our hotel. We went to some lookouts and even saw quite a few deer up close and personal.

We then took a two hour tour into the cave. What an experience! Bright even enjoyed it too. I'm fairly certain that at least two grandparents wouldn't have enjoyed this excursion let alone approve of us taking Brighton. Jon says it's definitely not something we have to do annually as it was both fascinating and freaky at times, but were are certainly very glad to have experienced it.

Our tour guide was an attraction himself. He traced back five generations for us beginning with his great-great-grandfather in slavery in that very area. Through the generations then his family had lots of involvement in Mammoth Cave even well before it became national park. Not only was he great at his job, but his position is steeped in tradition far more than we could have ever suspected. What a story!

Spring Break 2010: Sea World

We were able to break our visit to Sea World into two half days thanks to a promotion they are offering right now which was perfect for our family as Bright still needs a nap. This also permitted us to avoid the hottest and busiest time in the park as well as see and experience the entire park with the exception of the roller coasters.

Sea World was a great experience for all of us. We were so glad we decided to go. Sea World is such a unique combination of features, and we thoroughly enjoyed nearly everything we decided to see and do. The shows were really impressive although we were slightly disappointed with the Shamu Show, but heard later it is ½ of the show it used to be due to the recent death there.

Bella Breakfast

Other than this giant chicken last fall, our first character experience was for breakfast with Elmo & Friends this past week. Brighton did really well and was only slightly scared by the very large and active Cookie Monster. Unlike the rest of Orlando, it was surprisingly not that busy here, so we got lots of time and access to the characters. When Elmo finally came out, Brighton could hardly believe it. He shouted and pointed “Bella!” in wide eyed amazement. Yes, Elmo = Bella. He inadvertently swaps some of his sounds around, which we really have to work on as one of his dear little friend’s names is Bella, and we’ve already had it on several occasions that we are not sure whom is he referring to. Anyway, the Bella Breakfast was a blast.