My Beloved and I are blessed with being able to enjoy three whole days with our two-year-old grandson Thomas. We certainly made the most of it today, starting with going to breakfast with him, his Aunt Stephanie, and her boyfriend Steve. We thought we’d surprise Thomas with a pancake shaped like one of his favorite “people” in the whole wide world: Mickey Mouse. Big mistake! When “Mama” (My Beloved) started to cut it up for him, he looked at her as though she was murdering his friend! He didn’t want to eat or cut it up!
We then took him to a place called Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad where he got to see and ride his favorite things in the world: “TRAINS!” They have over 100-year-old steam engines and they chug through ancient redwood forests. (Long-time readers know how much I like redwoods. Actually I love ancient plants of many kinds, and joke that when I’m near them I don’t look quite as old by comparison. Thomas and his “Papa” (me) were thrilled. Mama, his Aunt Stephanie and her boyfriend Steve enjoyed it too.
Mama and Thomas climbed aboard a covered wagon.
This photo of Thomas with Mickey Mouse (or is that Minnie?) was taken at Disneyland a month or two ago.
The train station is in a small “town”. On the way out we saw the “Towne Marshall’s Office.” Since our surname is Towne we took a photo of “Towne Marshall Thomas.”
Mama and I exercised considerable self-restraint only buying three gifts for him at their gift shop, a toy train, a train-shaped bank with a coin slot, and a wooden train whistle.
It was a delightful day. Mama and Thomas are already down for the night (or at least Mama is ’til he falls asleep.)
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
That looked like fun times…such a cute age:)
Ellespeth
They were indeed. The “Terrible Two’s” can be challenging, but although he has gotten more willful, he mostly listens and behaves. Thank you for your comment, Ellespeth. (Sorry for referring to you as Elizabeth earlier. I caught my mistake right after sending the earlier reply.)
Russ
what a wonderful, loving day for all of you )
(Big smile!).The investment manager in me views having wonderful grandchildren as a terrific return on invested love given to our children, but of course the truth is that our grown children and their spouses are doing a superb job with their kids, and their kids started out as miracles, so we’re the blessed beneficiaries of a lot of things going right. I never stop being grateful for those blessings. Thank you for your comment, ksbeth.
Russ
How great, such a lovely day together!
Thank you, Ute. Even the weather was ideal. It can get hot this time of year.
Russ
wonderful sounds like a great time was had by all!!
Hi, Willow. YUP! I appreciate your comment.
Russ
🙂
A blissful (and brutal on the body) day. Thomas is a cutie.
So funny about the pancake but who can blame the little guy?
You’re correct; Mama, Papa and Thomas slept well last night. As for the pancake, he was hungry, so finally was coaxed into eating a little of Mickey’s chin, but he made it clear he wouldn’t eat his ears!
Russ
What a little MAN. 🙂
There are lines no little Man should cross! ;-D!
Russ
Mickey. ❤
What a wonderful day! Having been to Roaring Camp recently, I share your enthusiasm! Great picture!
Note to self – only make plain old pancakes. 😉
Thank you. I wondered if you’d been there, Mrs. P. It was a great day indeed.
LOL!
Russ
A great post made me feel happy reading it, I know how much I love my grandchildren and I could just hear Leo saying not to eat Mickey
Hi, Joanne. I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. I’m glad you and your grandchildren also have a loving relationship!
Russ