I've been singing that ditty from the commercial from when I was a child all summer to the kids. Last spring I ran across an ad for Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad. I just knew my kids would LOVE it...my pioneer-loving girl and train-obsessed boy...the best of both worlds for them. So, we've talked about it and talked about it and talked about it. June flew by with vacation and Jut traveling. July was gone in the blink of an eye with camp and who knows what else. August started with VBS and the fair, and then I realized Jut was starting school in a week and we still hadn't made it to our 'fun' summer destination.
So, last week, we packed up the kiddos to discover the adventure of Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad. First off, it looked like rain. We needed to move quickly in the morning. However, we didn't really look up directions very closely because we figured there would be signs. Without possessing a smart phone, that was a mistake. Took us a good half hour extra in poor navigation and there was another 20 minute delay due to a potty break. I was fit to be tied by the time we got there. The sky looked ominous. I didn't think it was going to go well.
Thankfully, I was mistaken. We got splattered on and had a pretty strong 'breeze' throughout our picnic lunch but otherwise, it really was a perfect day...not too hot, not too sunny, not too breezy (minus lunch), and not crowded. We had fun exploring Crossroads Village until 2 and then we took the train. (Note: Our camera had almost no battery life...so almost all the pics are from the train.)
We were a bit worried that X would not like the train because of the noise. He wanted nothing to do with the grist mill...for that matter he hides from my dad's diesel truck because its too noisy. When we'd watch the train go by, he'd cover his ears. But, when it was time to ride the train, he was all about it! We picked our coach...the fourth one back with cushy seats. When the train blew its whistle (it was a diesel engine), he'd cover his ears but keep his eyes glued outside the window. Within 5 minutes, he'd even stopped covering his ears. He was mesmerized. It was fun to watch. E really enjoyed the train ride too. She was almost as excited as X to ride the train. Jut and I enjoyed the 40-minute time to sit and not have to contain children. It wasn't a smooth ride but it jostled C right to sleep for his afternoon nap. It worked out perfectly. Plus, the hardest rain fell while we were on the train ride. Perfect.
Afterwards, we explored more of Crossroads Village. E was dressed up in her 'Laura' dress and enjoyed the comments from all the dressed up 'staff'. She was hilarious. Next year I'll have to keep an eye out for 'pioneer days'...E wants to go back and go to school in the schoolhouse like Laura and Mary.
The only thing that distracted from our experience was that they were getting ready for a Day Out with Thomas. So, some of the buildings were closed in preparation...but the kids loved seeing 'Thomas' stuff everywhere so it really didn't bother them. We stayed until closing because we were having so much fun. It was a really good time.
I bought some freshly ground flour from the grist mill and made regular bread and zuchinni bread with it. It was delicious.
E is all excited to go back for Halloween and ride the train and go trick or treating through the village. She'll be very disappointed if that doesn't pan out. So, we shall see what happens.
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