I’ll be honest, it feels very odd to return to my usual content, especially since this happened before the election. While I’m resuming my “regularly scheduled programming”, please know that behind the scenes I am working harder than ever to do my part in brightening the future of America. I plan on sharing a separate post with helpful links very soon. Thank you to all of you who have commented, emailed, and reached out via social media to thank me for sharing my thoughts. You are not alone – we are not alone. So here’s to forward motion, to progress, and focusing on the positive.

We had every intention of introducing the kids to an old-fashioned train for years, but somehow it only just happened. While we have many options in our area, we chose the WK&S Railroad in Kempton, a privately owned heritage railroad company founded in 1963. They operate over a landlocked remnant of a former Reading Railroad line – ring a bell, Monopoly fans?! They have quite an impressive collection of motive power, to include two Porter steam engines (circa 1920’s-30’s) that they are currently restoring. The 1940’s coach we rode in has been immaculately preserved, and was pulled by one of their three diesel engines. The gentleman you see below has been working at the railroad for over 40 years, and uses a family heirloom timepiece to keep things running smoothly – this place truly transports you in time.

If you’re a classic film afficianado like myself, this might also look like a movie set to you. The seats flip so families can face each other, and the windows open to let in that good ol’ country air. I didn’t take that many photos during the ride – just a few videos (which I shared on Snapchat + Instagram stories as it happened). With three miles of track, the trip is about 40 minutes round-trip. The kids loved it, and the scenery changed enough to keep them entertained. Check out Marie pausing to pose for her personal paparazzi, or embarking on her Presidential tour? She never ceases to amaze me.

After our ride, the kids enjoyed the hay maze and frolicking with all the other kids. Although these images make it seem like we had the place to ourselves, it was actually quite busy!  Skills people, photoshop skills. Ha, I’m kidding – I was just very patient and waited for “the money shots”. The train was full, and there was such a nice variety of ages, with both kids and seniors enjoyed the ride equally. We stopped into the picture perfect souvenir shop and took a few more photos before heading home…we plan to return soon! A ride with Santa, perhaps? That would be another first!