Trains on the brain

Do your kids love trains? Then you'll want to add these stops to your next St. Paul, MN excursion.

1) Choo Choo Bob's
Our kids love playing with the train tables at the back of this delightful train store. They also host birthday parties, have their own TV show (available on DVD) and they are located right next door to Izzy's ice cream shop and Sweets cupcake bakery.

2) Jackson Street Roundhouse
My friend and co-worker Gary told me about this hidden gem. It's staffed by knowledgable volunteers and the admission fee also gives you a ride on a real train outside. If you're lucky, you'll get to ride up front in the locomotive. Or choose a comfy seat in the quieter caboose. In the museum, there are old trains to wander around and explore and exhibits to see. There's a couple of train tables for the kids to play with and a small gift shop. While we were there, we saw a birthday party taking place in one of the exhibit trains.

3) Twin City Model Railway Museum
This museum actually is split into two buildings. They offer a few train tables for the toddler-aged crowd and many larger models for the older folks. The kids enjoyed running the model trains and playing with the train tables. There weren't very many people there when we went and the parking lot offered ample free parking. Perhaps not as fun, or child-oriented as Choo Choo Bob's or the Jackson Street Roundhouse, the Twin City Model Railway Museum is still a worthwhile visit for train-lovers.

Our favorite Twin Cities indoor play areas

Now that the weather is getting cooler, it's time to think about heading indoors for some playtime. I love running around and climbing through the play areas with the kids. Here's our family's list of three favorite indoor play areas in the Twin Cities area. Don't forget to bring socks!

1) Edinborough Park, Edina
Admission: $6/child
My favorite indoor play area in the Twin Cities, Edinborough Park offers local residents a nice green escape from the snow and ice of the outdoors during the Winter months. There's an indoor atrium with trees, water and a large open area with fun push chairs and play equipment. When your kids get tired of that (it takes a really long time, trust me), they can head over to the large Adventure Peak play structure, hailed as "one of the largest indoor play structures in the country". There's lots of room for picnics and for parents to lounge along the sidelines.

2) Maple Maze, Maple Grove
Admission: $5/child
This indoor play area features a large maze structure for older children and a smaller toddler play area. There isn't a lot of places for parents to sit and watch, but the building also houses private birthday party rooms, a large gymnasium and a swimming pool. It's been recently renovated as of Fall 2011.

3) Eagles Nest, New Brighton

Admission: $5/child

Eagles Nest is a little hike from our house, but worth the drive. There's a very large maze structure that Sophie enjoys and a smaller area for younger kids. Eagles Nest features a decent size snack area with picnic tables for visitors to bring their own food and beverages. When we went, there was an attendant supervising the play area, especially helpful when there are many kids attending birthday parties and running around.

Jack's sayings

"Meemo, meemo, meemo"
Translation: "Meow, meow, meow"

"Bom" "Daddy bom"
Translation: "Truck" "Daddy's truck"

"Beelah-beelaah!"
Translation: "Peekaboo!"

3 reasons why I love WDW

There are really too many reasons to list. But here are my top 3 reasons:

3) Mickey head ice cream. A delicious frozen treat after a long day at the parks. What could be better (or tastier?)

2) Watching the kids ride Dumbo, the Flying Elephant. Wheeeeee! I get excited running to get back in line to ride again.

1) It's all magical. That's not a person playing the role of Snow White. She is Snow White.

Family pictures

A couple of sneak peeks from our most recent family pictures. Taken by JM Photography at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, MN.

October 2011

It's officially Autumn. Which means going to the apple orchard to pick lots of yummy Honeycrisp apples. Jack loved carrying around the "bapple" he found on the ground.

Sophie likes picking out her own outfits and dressing herself. This is one of those outfits to pieced together on her own. It's so nice to have only one kid in diapers. Sophie has been working hard on potty training and staying dry.

One of her biggest motivations to potty train was because she started preschool this Fall. Here's a picture of Sophie standing by her locker. She goes to preschool two mornings a week, for two and a half hours each time. Today, they tasted apples and Sophie decided that green apples are her favorite.

Sophie has also started ballet and tap lessons. She's the tiniest kid in the class, no surprise there! I think she's built like a dancer or gymnast.

Jack is growing up so quickly. He's discovering his love for sweets. He's been saying more and more words every day. He runs around, dances and loves to play "choo, choo".

We're looking forward to our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World (again!), Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have a great Fall!