Choo choos and Aunt Char

Coming off the train - you are supposed to go off backwards. Sandals are not advised. Not the best profession for a clumsy person for sure!
Luke and me afterwards. He was so overwhelmed by being on the train, and watching the train go bye bye and being so close, he didn't speak for about ten minutes or longer.
Luke, Emma and me on the exhibit train - you can look inside the door but you can't go in.
His choo choo shoe was falling off his foot - he has to have all the choo choo stuff perfect.
This is not cool - I want the real thing Mommy!
"Mr. Conductor" taking Luke and me on the train. He even had overalls and a hat on...it was pretty cool.
Us going on the train - and much to Char's relief, the engineer didn't kidnap Luke and me on the train.
Emma being a big helper and taking Aunt Char's purse out to the car...
We are ready for our trip...
Luke ready with his choo choo shoes, choo choo shirt and choo back pack full with all seven of his choo choos and one car for good measure.
Beautiful Princess Emma the wonderful
Princess Lily the fantastic

So yesterday, Aunt Char and the four of us went to Whitefish for the afternoon. We went to the train depot and asked the lady if any trains were scheduled to come in. She told us that we needed to just listen for the bells.
So, we walked to the VERY end of the platform where a classic old "private" train was and the guy just stared at us as Luke was freaking out wanting to go on...we thought he would be compelled to invite us on to look at the train - but no, just a stare.
So, we continued our walk when I heard some bells. So we began to run all the way around the depot to the back where the trains come in and in the distance we saw some lights. We were pointing them out to Luke and Emma, but they didn't see them. Eventually the train got close and then it just stopped. Typically they keep coming until the whole train takes up the platform, but this one stopped at the beginning of the platform.
So, I began to run with Luke on my shoulders. The engineers started coming off the train and nicely waved to us. One stopped and said, "Oh, do you like choo choos?" Luke nodded and firmly said yes. He then asked Luke if he would like to go on one. Of course Luke said yes. So, he went in and asked what I'm guessing was his supervisor and came out quickly and took us up to the train. Luke got to not only go on the train but he got to ring the bell. It was pretty overwhelming for him.
Then, Aunt Char and all of us went to a pizza place and had lunch. There was much more to our day - but that was the coolest part.
Anyway, enjoy the pictures.