Halloween Train

An ominous sight

This one's for you, Dad

Today was the beginning of Halloween for our family. It started with finalizing the girls' costumes and then heading out for a local halloween train ride through the woods of Nevada City. I've never done the train before, didn't even really know it existed. About 3 1/2 years ago, a group of women who had just had babies got together and formed a "Mom's Group", a support group for new mommies and their babies. We've been together ever since. It's so nice to have a tight-knit group of Moms, Dads, and Kids who know they can rely on each other, support each other, and have grand adventures together. Today was one of those.

Just part of the Leakers and Squeakers: me, Laurie, Erin, and Kim

Erin with Ani

Kim with Jack Sparrow and Fred

The train was pretty full (being a Friday and gorgeous weather) but not packed. We got our tickets and loaded up on the open air cars. Some kids were in costume, others not. Caitlyn was thrilled to be a kitty cat and Sara was content to be a cow. (Personally, I don't think Sara cared what she was).

Kitty and Cow

Did I mention I hate spiders?

The train chugged along through the woods for about a half hour, passing lots of ghosts and goblins scattered along the rail line. About the time we could use a break, the train stopped and we all got off to hunt pumpkins. All the kids were able to run around and pick out their own pumpkin. Caitlyn settled on hers, a little odd-shaped but it had character while Sara fell in love with a penguin. After about 15 minutes, we all loaded up for the return trip. It was just long enough to forget about things and just enjoy the kids and a train.

Caitlyn with her pumpkin

Ahhhh. (The penguin was fake)