The Perris Train Festival

I will be the first to admit that I never dreamed of having children. As a matter of fact when I was in high school I use to make fun of my mom's friend who I loved dearly and who was a stay-at-home mom, oh the irony I know. Its very funny to me but now that I have children I just enjoy spending my time with them. I would rather be spending my time with my kids than drinking at a bar in the middle of the afternoon, going out til 4 in the morning, or just doing adult things. I think of all the things I miss the most its the long hikes, kayaking and athletic things I can't do right now, but it will come in time. I have grown accustomed to the having children lifestyle and I like it.

So when the weekends come I don't plan a lot of activities with friends or other families, although I should be better about that, I just like to spend time with my little family. In true Gotlieb fashion I am not a planner and when we do an activity it is usually because I am the one up early with the kids, I seem to always have the most energy when I get up early instead of sleeping in, and then I push Carl out of bed and we head out on an adventure. Today he was mad and told me how long its been since I haven't plan something for his sleep-in day. Sorry honey, its just the person you married.

For years Carl has been talking about the Perris Train Festival and my boys like trains, not a love affair, but like them. Since Elliot is recovering from a cold and they boys don't seem to mind a 1.5 drive we just hopped in the car and drove the 80 miles to Perris this morning. Part of me was just curious about the area. I had never driven out there before and wondered what it was like.

The train festival was pretty neat. They had many old fashioned trains all running all in different styles. They boys had the opportunity to take more than one train ride, we took three, and got to climb all over the seats and run around. What I would think is a dream come true for two boys.

 

Window lighting from trains is some of my favorite lighting. It is like a giant light box with beautiful diffused light and interesting backgrounds to provide texture. Too bad Erik got mad, or maybe he was tired and decided he wasn't interested in pictures today. This is seriously the first time he directly said to me, mommy stop I don't want pictures. I snapped a few before I realized what he was saying to me. A moody edgy picture today.

I even got some cute moments with both boys today. I love it when I can get pictures of the two of them.

Erik even got annoyed when the guy was talking and told us how the line worked. This was his response.

Maybe its my old days in marketing, but I love looking at old ads. I wish I could find these for myself and put them in my kitchen. This is exactly what I am looking for in there.





Playing made everyone happy and Erik even cheered up enough to let me take pictures again. There were wooden trains for the kids to play in through the museum and Erik liked those even more than the trains themselves. Go figure.

They even had an elaborate model train set up for the boys to observed. Carl made his usual comments about wanting to set this up in my own home. I smiled, but inside I cringed, maybe in the garage, maybe...

We ended the day listening to a blue grass band, snacking on $2 hot dogs and dancing together as a family. This is why trips like this are worth it. My favorite moment of the day, Erik cuddling on my lap eating a hot dog and us swaying to the music. I treasure all those cuddles for what they are worth.

 

Then because Carl can't control himself, I would have said no, they boys got a mini train ride. Like the three they had for free wasn't enough. *eyeroll* Erik had fun, Elliot wanted off after a few times around.

So my take on the festival. It wasn't crowded at all, it was cheap since we didn't have to pay for the kids, but it was just ok. There was a ton to do and it was fun, but I am not sure its worth the drive back out there. Probably a one time thing for this family unless we are super bored one weekend again.