New Trick

Parker learned this cool trick from his friend Ella!

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The B&O Railroad Museum

As we have shown in our other adventures, we have been checking out lots of local train museums in the area. Recently some train lobbyists (or some equivalent) were in Congressman Andrews' office recently and told Ben about the B&O Museum in Baltimore. So, one Sunday we decided to head north to check it out.

We were there a little before they opened so we had a chance to check out all of the cool trains they have outside in the parking lot. It was another pretty nice day so we were able to hang out and explore.

 Parker and Daddy went around to all the trains to try to decide what kinds they all were - like to two kids in a candy shop.

Every Army Brat/Train Enthusiast has to have his picture taken with the "American Freedom Train". We have no idea what makes it the American Freedom Train, but it is a great photo op!

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 He wanted to see what was inside the cars of the train but he had to settle for just standing outside the door - neither Mommy or Daddy was climbing up there to look.

Being silly with Daddy and the track switcher.

Inside they had a couple of miniature train displays. Parker loved pointing out all the moving parts.

The museum is actually an old working Roundhouse. It is huge. They have trains and exhibits set up all around the inside and it is really a gorgeous building.

And of course they have a big play area for kids with Thomas tables. It didn't take Parker long to find those!

One of the big displays explaining the significance of the B&O Railroad...

Touching the train with some help from Daddy. He wanted to ring the bell, but that wasn't going to happen.

It was still January and the museum had their Christmas display still up. Thomas was chugging around the Christmas trees with some of his other Sodor friends.

This was the "Sir Topam Hat" car that can drive on the tracks. It is actually really called the Ma and Pa car. Made us think of our Ma Pat and Pa Lar!

 Checking out all the other exhibits...

During the weekends and summer they also have a short train ride that you can take. Parker was really excited about it because they have a real conductor who punches your ticket. It is really a short tour of the area B&O first started with a little history narrative. Parker thought it was much more exciting than the metro!

Holding his ticket punched by the conductor. That thing is still a hot commodity in our house.

After the museum we went to find a place for lunch. We found random restaurant right by Wrigley field. They had bacon on a stick that Ben had to try. It was interesting...

***For the record, I have been corrected that Camden Yards is where we ate lunch - where the Orioles play. Wrigley Field is in Chicago. Thank you Uncle Jim, you can always be counted on for your sports trivia.***

Random Events in Daily Life

I know I have been very delinquent lately on updating the blog. Of course it just started because we hit a busy time, but then as more and more time passed it seemed like such a daunting task to get caught back up. But, now it is time to try! So, we can start with a nice generic post showing the average happenings in the Culver house these days.

Riley is of course growing like a champ. We affectionately call her "fatty" all the time because she has a really round face with chubby cheeks. She also has some thunder thighs that are hilarious. I can say it all now because baby fat doesn't last forever! She is also the most social baby I have ever seen. She "talks" all the time and just loves to smile and engage. Every day when Ben comes home from work he is rewarded with a HUGE Daddy smile and she visits with him.

Parker has found a new love for puzzles. He was given a couple for Christmas and we have found some more at Target since. Each one is about 24-48 pieces and he can finish most of them himself. I love watching him figuring out how they all fit and he is so happy when he finishes one by himself!

 Riley is also able to start to sit up with a little assistance. She likes to get propped up and enjoys the view but it only lasts a little while and then she gets tired of it and wants to play (or nap).

Just like so many other people we have had some really crazy weather this year. Sometimes it is freezing cold and sometimes it is 60 degrees and sunny. It is so strange but defiantly keeps us on our toes! We try to make sure that whenever the weather is nice enough we still head to the park. Parker loves to play with his new cement mixer from Grandma and Grandpa Culver. He loads it up with mulch and dumps the load over and over again.

 We have been lucky that there is still a lot of sibling love to go around in our house. Parker really doesn't get to jealous of Riley and likes to cuddle her. But, when she is playing with Mommy he does always want to come check it out and make sure we aren't having TOO much fun without him. He is a great big brother - we will just have to see what happens when she starts to steal his toys.

 Just in case anyone was questioning my earlier post about a chubby round face with fat cheeks...here is all the proof you need.

 Cole hooked up Parker with a great gift for Christmas - train capsules. They start as a little capsule and when it dissolves a little sponge train comes out. They are by far the coolest thing about bath these days. He has a whole station by now. He loves them so much that Mommy had to scour local toy stores for more. We managed to find some at one local store and we bought them all!

When Parker was a baby Ma Pat started to hook us up with the awesome toys from Lamaze. We have also added a few new ones for Riley. But the old standbys like Ellie the Elephant still come out and she is one of Riley's favorites. And just like every 4 month old, everything goes in her mouth!

 Grumpy face and "so big" together in one photo - not much more explanation needed...

 Parker and Radar really have a love-hate relationship. They can antagonize each other so much and they often both get into trouble for it. But once in a while they decided to get along. They are the best of friends when they fight their one common enemy: the vacuum cleaner. And sometimes Parker will "hold paw" with Radar, which he loves.

 Ben's awesome friend Josh (Joselyn's Daddy) hooked Ben up with a great Broncos jersey this year. Of course the Broncos lost in the playoffs, but Riley got to sit with Daddy and cuddle during the game.

 Some crazy things happen on Daddy trips to the park - like dogs on playground equipment. Apparently Chance followed Parker down the twisty slide twice but tried to jump off halfway down the third time and was not allowed up any more. Either way he came home a happy and exhausted dog.

 Floor time with Riley...talking to her all about Jake and the Neverland Pirates - or whatever a 3 year old talks about with his 4 month old sister.

If you look closely you can see the toy phone next to her ear in the swing. Parker gave it to her to call Ma Pat - it was hilarious.















I will henceforth work to be more consistent again - here's hopin'!

Riley VS Willie the Whale

Riley was having a battle with her friend Willie in her gym today. This went on for quite a while.

Good Girl Riley! Rollin' Champ

Riley is really working on perfecting her rolling skills. Although after a couple of successful attempts she usually poops out. Silly girl.