Most of you already know that Tommy is a big train fan. Over the holidays, he finally found some time to work on his HO scale layout that is setup in our basement. He has made quite a bit of progress on it! With 75% of the landscaping finished, he is now working on the city and the mountain that will be behind it. He also has several more buildings to construct and needs to weather everything so it looks realistic.
I'm really happy that Tom has this hobby. He's so happy when he's working on it and is always willing to let the kids get involved. They are really starting to enjoy it now that it's all coming together. They love to "operate" the train...and don't ask if you can play with it...no, you don't play with the train, you operate the train! Marissa likes to push the button that makes the train whistle. She really likes to lay on that button...usually it's a long, loud whistle!!
Tommy is really proud of his baseball field. It's totally custom created. He was so excited when he found the baseball players at a hobby shop in Michigan. He'd been looking for them for quite some time. :)
Tommy wants each of the kids to have their very own engine for the train. Jacob got his several years ago and has been adding cars along the way. Last week, Tom took Nicholas on a special outing to the Great Midwest Train show to pick out his. Eventually, he'll take the girls to get their own engines, too. Recently Tom bought Jenna her own horse car, but she's really more into the architecture of the layout. She has claimed the farm area as her own and has set the animals up exactly how she wants them...and Tommy has left them that way. Here she is with her farm.
"HOLD MY COW"!!! That's exactly what Nicholas said when he first saw all the updates to the train layout. Instead of "Holy Cow" it's become our new favorite phrase...we use it often around our house now.
This is my favorite part of the layout. I love the winding road with the Victorian style houses at the top of the hill.
Tommy and his "helpers". This is the perfect post to tell you all about the kids new favorite restaurant....Choo Choo Johnny's! It's basically a diner that brings your food to you on a train. We've already been there three times this month! :)
