The Fourth

As you can see, we had a great 3rd of July, and our 4th was just as fantastic!  We started out the day with a trip to scenic Bonsal, NC to ride on the New Hope Railway which runs on the last Sunday of every month.  Evan has been obsessed with all things train-related lately, so we knew that it would be a hit.  When we got there we met our friends Hilary and Carson and headed off to watch the model train display.  Thomas the Train was actually on display so Evan and every two-year old boy in the area could have stayed there all day. 

(Evan watching the model train)

However, we had to move on to actually ride on a real train!  The train was open on the sides with a shaded roof, so we had a great view and a nice breeze the whole time.  When we first got on board all of the little boys sat there silently in awe.  It took them a while before they started running around and taking it all in.  At one point, Evan headed to the back of the train car, was saying something, and pointing to the connector between the two trains.  Finally, I figured out that he was saying "knuckle coupler".  I turned to the train conductor standing nearby and asked if that was indeed a knuckle coupler.  He said that it was.  I was amazed!  Turns out Ian had been pointing those out on another train earlier in the day, but I was still impressed that Evan remembered.

(One of the trains)

(Me and the boys heading toward the train)

(My boys on the train)

(Inside our train)

After our train ride we headed home and Evan proceeded to take a record setting nap-4 hours!  This worked out perfectly because we knew that we would have a late night.  After an early dinner the whole family headed down to the American Tobacco Campus to listen to some music an celebrate the fourth.  We all sat on a blanket, people watching, and listening to bluegrass.  Both of the boys enjoyed the festivities. 

(Our view on the lawn...the stage is under the water tower.)

(The boys and I listen to the music.)

As the sun started to set, we headed to Ian's office which just so happens to be right next to the ball park where 4th of July fireworks would be happening.  We sat in the dark in their lunchroom, Ben decided that it was time to fall asleep, and we waited for the fireworks.   It turned out to be a fabulous location.  We could watch the fireworks, without the noise, in the comforts of the air conditioned office.  Evan thought they were really cool.  He can't wait until he can stay up that late again!

(Happy...)

(Happy...)

(Happy Fourth of July!)