Choo Choo!

We had been anticipating our visit to the Tweetsie Railroad for such a long time. We had been talking about it a lot with Eli in the weeks leading up to our trip, and he had told just about everyone he knew that he'd soon be riding on the big 'twain.' We weren't entirely sure of what to expect, but we went into it hoping for a great time and a happy toddler! Of course Eli slept horribly the night before, and was up WAY earlier than usual that day. I wasn't so sure that the happy toddler part would be in our cards for the day, but boy did he surprise us! At breakfast that morning we were telling him that it was finally time to go ride the big train. He put his spoon down and started clapping and screaming, 'Oh, oh, oh! I'm SO exciting!!!' Danny and I died laughing, and knew that it would be a great day afterall!

We got there right when they opened at 9am on Friday. The weather was absolutely gorgeous out. We walked in just in time to see the train pull into the 'station' for the first time that day. Their big train runs continuously throughout the day, and it's about a 20 minute ride through the mountains. There are 'cowboys' on board the train, and they stop and do little skits together that are hilarious! We were worried that Eli would be scared of the loud sounds, but he really surprised us! Can't say the same for the screaming toddler sitting behind us though. The cowboys each had fake guns that they were shooting, and they were super loud, so I can understand why it would be a little traumatizing for the little ones.
walking into the park
clapping for the train!
just enjoying the ride!
These guys were so good at their jobs...I just couldn't imagine doing it everyday.


After our first ride, we were off to exlore the rest of the park. They have a chair lift that carries you up the mountain, to another part of the park called 'Miner's Mountain.' We stopped and let Eli play for a while at a little park, and then it was on to some fun rides! As with everything, you never know how the first time on something new will go. Eli hopped right up into that airplane, buckled himself in and was ready to take off! At least we know he doesn't have problems with motion sickness! We rode a few other rides, and then got done just in time to catch a little musical show done by 'Hopper the Bunny' and 'Porter the Turtle.' They kept all of the kids attention the whole time, and had them all up dancing with them. Our boy loves to dance, so he was right up there with the bigger kids.
On our way up...


Off he goes!
And a proud wave for the crowd :)
enjoying the show
We were starving by this point, and I had been smelling barbecue all day, so lunchtime it was! Eli could hardly sit down long enough to get his lunch down. He was way too excited to eat, and was ready to get on to the next fun thing. We spotted the big go cart cars on our way down the chair lift, and knew that Eli would love doing that with his daddy. I have such sweet memories of riding in these same type cars with my dad every summer at Busch Gardens and Myrtle Beach...such fun! Eli obviously wasn't old or big enough to drive, but he did a great job helping steer. I think Danny enjoyed it just as much as Eli! This part of the park was full of carnival type rides and games, cotton candy & funnel cakes were on every corner, and it just made you feel like a kid again. Eli and I rode the Carousel together, and then Danny wanted to take him on the Ferris Wheel. I had seen this thing running all day, and I instantly opted out. I'm usually the daredevil and the one who will ride ANY ride out there. But not at 5 months pregnant with a very full stomach from lunch! This was not your average ferris wheel. It had one speed...fast! The look on Eli's face when that thing took off, oh I'll never forget it. He had his lips puckered up real tight and was holding on for dear life. Danny did a good job of distracting him, and he did get use to it after a little bit. I was just thankful that he didn't puke, because I had my doubts there for a minute!

He talks about riding the ferris wheel ALL the time. I think it made him feel so big!

Another fun train ride.
'Go fast, daddy!'
We rode back up to the top of the mountain again and spent some time at the animal park. We picked up some ice cream cones filled with animal feed, and made our rounds. Eli's always been excited about animals, so he really enjoyed this part. His favorites this time were the bunnies and the baby goats.

He loved this baby goat 'on the loose.'



He rang the bell a million times during this little boat ride.

By late afternoon we were all starting to tire out. We rode the big train one more time, did some shopping and picked up some cute souveniers, and then made our final stop of the day for...ice cream!!! Eli sat very tired & still in his stroller while enjoying his/our ice cream.



Loves for daddy from a very tired boy.
Never too tired for ice cream!

Danny and I felt so blessed to be able to experience this with Eli. It was by far, without a doubt, one of our favorite family memories together. It's always fun to experience new things again through the eyes of a child. We're planning to visit the Tweetsie Railroad again this same time next year. We're hoping that Mimi and Papa Tom will be able to go with us then!