Northlandz

Since Auntie Allison was here we decided to do a special trip to a place called Northlandz. This place, about 45 minutes from our house, has the world's largest model train track measuring at 50 000 feet. Crazy! I didn't really know what to expect but it was truly a sight to behold. It was all housed in a very large museum-type building. The track circled through many different floors and looped back on itself several times. It's difficult to explain. The man who dreamed it up has quite a sense of humour. There are little labels throughout explaining some of the sites. There is a common theme about grandma. It started when she refused to sell her land to the quarry so they dug around her. Since they destroyed her plumbing in the process, they ended up building her an outhouse. The outhouse theme continued througout the display as did several adventures involving grandma. The observant visitor noticed that all the outhouses basically emptied either onto other houses, the train tracks or simply into the valley below. It was a humour that was lost on the kids but definitely put a smile on my face.
After touring through the museum (which is also filled with an odd collection of paintings and some creepy dolls) we headed out to the little train station to wait for the train. We had packed a picnic lunch so we ate it in the station while waiting for the little train to arrive. It's amazing how long it can take Jameson to eat half a sandwich when he's eagerly anticipating the arrival of a train. Such a struggle. Good thing is that I had leverage, the train ride! I think he finally swallowed the last little bite as the train pulled into the station. Nothing like waiting until the last minute!
We boarded the train with the other 6 people (not a very busy place during the week) and went for a short ride around the track. The kids LOVED it. After the ride they were able to blow the whistle and even stand in the caboose. Kiddie heaven. We chatted with the conductor for a short while afterward. He just seemed so thrilled to have people to talk to and share his passion of trains. What a nice man.
All in all, a fun time was had by all but I'm not sure if I will rush back there. It was somewhat pricey and I don't know if the boys really appreciated it at their ages.

On the way back from Northlandz the boys both fell asleep in the car (mommy heaven). I decided to take Allison sight seeing through some of the impressive areas of Princeton. We found a house for sale near the Hun School that has a price tag of $3, 750, 000. That's right, yours for the bargain price of just under 4 million!! Then you have to furnish the place. But, story has it that Albert Einstein spent many hours in the music wing playing his violin. That's a pretty cool thing to be able to tell people about your house!

Jameson woke up shortly after we were looking at houses that are way out of my price range. Stellan was still sleeping peacefully. I asked Jameson if he would rather go to the Sandbox park or go home and play basketball. He chose basketball. All of a sudden a tiny voice piped up, "I want the sandbox park". I think he has selective hearing even in his sleep. He heard park and woke up. Jameson then remarked, "Uh oh, we have a problem". How funny is that! So cute! Well, we solved the problem. We went to the park for a while and then headed home where the boys played basketball and rode their bikes. What a lovely day that was topped off by James' homemade bbq'd burgers. Splendid!