Trainfest!

In November we took advantage of the fact that Trainfest (billed as "America's Largest Operating Model Railroad Show") takes place in Milwaukee annually. Jonah LOVES trains, so we thought it would be a fun activity for him, and we could have some fun as well.

The event takes place at the Wisconsin Exposition Center on the State Fairgrounds. When we arrived, we were a little surprised to be directed to the Milwaukee Mile (the race track). We got to drive on the track a little, it was fun to put the speed on a bit and pretend to race before we were directed to the infield. We weren't sure how far it was going to be to get to the Expo Center. They were running hay rides to there, but were weren't sure we could get the stroller on it so we walked. It turns out that it would have taken more time to ride the wagon behind the tractor than it took us to walk.

When we got there, we needed to get tickets, and Jude needed to nurse. Jonah and I went in while Jude and Michelle finished in the lobby.

Jonah was mesmerized from the first moment he caught sight of a train moving on tracks. We spent time at a number of different models. Jonah even got to work the controls on one train. Michelle and Jude caught up with us at a large floor model with Thomas the Tank Engine and an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Beyond this, it is probably enough to say, we had a great time, though that time was limited when we got hungry. It is best left explained by pictures from here.

Jonah takes in the first exhibit we visited.

Driving a train!

"Orange caboose!"

Thomas and Percy

My bologna has a first name...

One of the trains we saw.

Checking out the train as it goes over the bridge from underneath.

Jonah tries on his new engineer hat.

Watching a Christmas train with Mommy.

Jude slept the entire time.

More pictures are available in our family album. One thing we recommend and want to remember in the future is to bring a stool Jonah can carry around to stand on to see some of the higher tables a little better.