Easter
Topic: Holidays
Happy Easter everyone!
(I would like to wish my close friend Karen a happy belated birthday!)
Today Larry and Ryan and I went to Embsay for a "Day Out With Thomas." (Click here to see the Embsay website.) Embsay Station There is a steam railway that runs between Bolton and Embsay. Both places are less than half an hour from our house. It's been a really nice day today, weather wise, thank goodness! We thought it would be nice to get out and do something, since Ryan is still a bit young to hunt for Easter eggs.
The Day Out With Thomas (as in, Thomas the Tank Engine) was fun. At both Embsay and Bolton stations there were things to do for kids of all ages. There were gift shops and very crowded refreshment areas. At Bolton there was a small carnival, with a bouncy castle, a carousel, a little train, swings, and a person making balloon animals. At Embsay there was an attraction where you could "meet Thomas," the Fat Controller made an appearance, and there was an ice cream stand that Larry and Ryan and I stopped by on the way out. The price of admission also included a "gift" for the children. There was a tent set up with a surprisingly wide variety of toys to choose from. Ryan took a shine to a red steam engine, so we took that.
When we first arrived, the parking lot was full. We got creative and found somewhere to park. We didn't realize at first that we had actually found a pretty close spot. It wasn't too long of a walk, which was good since we'd forgotten to bring the stroller. It turned out that the stroller would have probably been more trouble than help anyway. The first thing we did after we got our tickets was to board the train going to Bolton. I couldn't help but think of Hogwart's Express. To my great delight, someone behind us said, "This is like Harry Potter!" I chimed in, "I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking that!" Too bad we didn't get to sit with them! *grin*
The train ride to Bolton was only about 15 minutes. Ryan was great and seemed to enjoy the ride. It was through rolling green countryside, with lots of sheep and lamb.
Once in Bolton, we enjoyed the carnival. We put Ryan on the swings and went for the mini train ride. After that, we took the train back to Embsay, got Ryan's gift, some ice cream, then headed home.
All in all, it was a very nice little excursion. We were surprised how many people were there. It seems the British people here like to get out on Easter.
As I write this, Ryan and Larry are napping. So far, so good the weather is holding out. Larry bought a bbq yesterday, so we're planning on bbqing for Easter dinner. When the guys wake up, I'm going to present Ryan with his Easter basket (courtesy of both his Grandma Mary Ann and Nana Joyce).
Hope everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable Easter!
Please check out out pictures from today! Day Out With Thomas