Day Out With Thomas

This morning the kids woke up to find a Thomas train on their placemats at the breakfast table. 

This was a clue for them of where we were going - A Day Out With Thomas! They were pretty excited and wanted to listen to the Thomas theme song and some Thomas stories while they ate their breakfast.

We then hopped into the car and started our trip out to Thirlmere at the NSW Railway Museum. I pulled together all the Thomas books that we had (and that was a lot thanks to a recent collection from the Howies) for the kids to read while driving there. They loved it!

And I remembered the Thomas cap that we had (thanks to the Howies) for Alexander who was very happy to wear it.

We arrived just in time for our Steam train ride being pulled by Donald. We were in such a beautifully restored cabin. There was another family in there too but they were really kind. The kids had a blast looking out the windows, watching everything go past, looking at the end of the train, spotting the guard, waving to people as we went past. What a great start to the day!

Ready in our carriage

Daniel ready to go

Alexander and Daddy excited for the ride

Eliza all set in the window seat

Such a cool view down the carriages

Windows open

Heads out

Trying to spot the signals

Alexander grabbed the window seat

 

 

Train buddies

We kinda took over the passageway

Waving at people as we go by

Daddy, Eliza and Daniel went for a walk to a different cabin

Alexander keeping an eye on them

Such cool carriages

The steam train ride was definitely a hit!
We then went back over to have a ride in Toby.

Alexander had a great time looking out the window and waving at the people as we went past. He really enjoyed the train rides!

Waving hi

Spotting Thomas

Toby travelled to the Roundhouse and we noticed that people were getting off so we hopped off Toby. We grabbed a quick photo with him

and then walked around to see what was in the Roundhouse. We were excited to see Emily having a rest there and also another Donald.

We then explored a few of the heritage trains. It was really cool to go into one of the dining cars and hear about the set up and the food that they would provide on it.

Sitting in the dining cart

Ready for her meal (not happy that she wasn't actually going to have food there)

The kids had a go at pushing a baggage trolley

and were fascinated by the old school station timetables. They enjoyed turning the slots.

And Alexander had fun walking and running around.

Then while we waited for Toby to return Eliza and Daniel and I went into a train drivers cabin and they had a turn at 'driving' the train and pushing each of the switches.

Eliza driving towards Daddy and Alexander

When we returned to the station we then lined up to get a photo with Thomas and the Fat Controller. He was lovely. He gave each of the kids high fives after the photo and told them that they were 'Really useful engines.'

Alexander was excited to see Thomas

Alexander getting a high 5

 We then had some lunch. Daniel made me laugh as he ate his grapes saying 'I'm going to eat this whole grape because it's Fat Controller.'

We then lined up for a miniature train ride. Eliza chose that we'd ride on Annie. I loved watching Alexander's face light up each time the trains went past. He just had so much joy in his smile.

And then kids had a great time on the train.

The the end of the ride Alexander walked up to the driver. He was kind enough to put Alexander on the front of the train and say 'Now you're driving it'.

The kids were then keen to get their faces painted. Daniel changed his mind to get a tattoo so it would last longer. He got a Thomas tattoo. It was so cool!

Eliza wanted her face painted and it was a princess. She loved it! I think she is never allowed to wear make up - she looks too grown up!

2 happy customers!

While we waited to climb into Thomas' engine we watched Donald let off a lot of steam and also saw Toby head off.

We then went into Thomas' engine and the kids loved pulling Thomas' horn and turning the different knobs.

We then headed back to the station to get a photo with the Sodor sign (we forgot to get that at the start).

We then lined up for our last mini train ride. Daniel got to decide which train we'd go on and he chose Clarabel. The kids again really enjoyed the ride.

What a fantastic day! We'd definitely come back again. We'd probably do the steam train ride later in the day and also try to arrive a bit earlier. That way we can do more mini train rides and also go on the jumping castles. I love doing these activities with my family!