Today we went to a model train show, which considering our theme this month is transportation and all the kids like trains and Munchkin LOVES them, I figured it would be a good idea.  What I didn't figure in was the effect of no naps/quiet time combined with train vendors!  Oh the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth!!  Each of the older boys had saved $20 from their allowance and wanted to buy an engine.  If you know anything about model trains - these are serious little machines and the men who create the model towns and tracks are serious miniature railroad men.  They have hundreds and thousands of dollars to spend and invest in this very serious hobby.  $20 ain't gonna do it.  That's when the weeping and wailing began for Munchkin.  Little Dude couldn't help but be moved and was feeling teary already when he lost the pen that he'd gotten while at the CN family day last week.  At that point he joined suit, then I ran the stroller into Sprout by accident and he started to cry and Big Bunny wanted out of her tether and she started to holler.  Needless to say, I think some of the attendees did a little jig as we made our way through the exit.  Here we are at the beginning, when all is well...

 Awesome little towns!

 I tried to get a picture of when he was almost touching the train with his nose as it went by...he seriously couldn't get close enough!

 Little Dude was happy to learn how to drive a model train.

 Munchkin was explaining to Sprout how it all worked.

 LEGO train city!!

 All made out of LEGO.

 The engines at this booth were over $200.

 Little Dude was photographer for this one.

 Little Dude was building a submarine, Munchkin was valiantly looking for train parts. 

 Everyone was sleeping on the way home.  I think crying wore them out.

It's a photo palooza!!...45 in all.  :)  We went camping.  Not, full on out in the wilderness kind of camping, but go up north find a little camp and have fun kind of camping.  We got the site right across from this GREAT playground.  We were one of two campers for this season - it was great to have the camp mostly to ourselves!

 The next morning was chilly!

 The view was fabulous!

 This is our tent, *ahem*, I mean portable cabin.  It is giant!  Our tent was stolen through a series of unfortunate events that I won't get into, and so I had to replace it.  End of season = sale.  This particular 10 person tent had been $150, I grabbed it for a cool $88.  YES!  So much room, everyone was comfy.  Even Little Bunny who was sleeping in her playpen.

 We were all happy to eat warm porridge in the morning!

 "Mmmmm, yummy!"  Says Sprout.

 Then we took out a paddle boat.

 The boys tried to paddle...it was tough, their legs are not quite long enough!

 We paddled out to where our camp site was...Big E had to lift Big Bunny and Sprout up so they could see us....that's Big Bunny in the air.

 Sprout patiently waiting for his turn.

 Duck date.

 Pensive Tall D.

 Finally!!  Big Bunny's turn.

 The playground had some vintage equipment, like this twirly ride.  I remember them, I've always thought they were fun.  Tall D had no idea what it was and so Big E offered to demonstrate.  He convinced him to do it with him...lol...

 Here's the start of the demo...

 Tall D tries it on his own with the boys....

 AIR!!!!

 Then he tries it with Big E and they totally wipe out!

 But had fun doing it.

 Sprout's turn!

 Of course he'd want to ride the bike...did he pick Little Dude's bigger bike?....nope.  He picked Munchkin's bike.

 THEN....we followed Big E over to see his train.

 His home away from home.

 Off to see the engine.