First Amtrak Train Ride

The boys and I (Monica) rode the train to visit Grandmom, Grandpop, uncle Dodo, aunt Tammy & Chad. Sadly Deona was not able to join us for our first train ride.  Thank you Grampy for driving the 3 of us to the train station and for getting us there in time to catch the 2:00 p.m. train.

Patiently waiting for our 2:10 departure.

While standing on the platform, we were told our 2:00 train would be delayed an hour.

One hour turned to 2 then 3 then 4 until 6:00 p.m.

We were all so tired. 

 Grampy went home.

 Deona suprised us and came straight from work. :) <3 

Some may wonder why we didnt just get our money back, cancel the trip, or try again the next day?  If you've ever had to pack and load 2 toddlers, plus carseat...I'm sure you'd understand my reasons to stick it out.  The thought of starting over the next day (with no guarantee of better results) did not appeal to me.

Mama blows kisses as we depart.

Finally 4 1/2 hours after our scheduled departure, we were back in business  The bathroom however was not. Luckily I have a bladder of steel, Emory wears diapers and Everett had an empty water bottle accessible. Additionally our air flow control was not working; neither was our train attendant.  Even so, Ev was sooo excited about getting to ride a real choo choo train.

The happiest little conductor ever.

Ev didnt want to miss a thing; even after sunset.

The many hours waiting for the train and being on the train really started to wear on Emory. Tantrums like I've never seen before.  I was so thankful we were in our own room.  With a door. :( 

Sweet relief, yet another hour away from our destination. THEN another 45 minute delay in south Austin.

Everett was exhausted yet refused to sleep.  With every train whistle he'd perk up, look out the window and exclaim, "HEAR THAT MOMMY, A WHISTLE!, that's awesome!"  

Finally, 30 minutes from our destination, Ev decided to lay his head down; within seconds my little conductor was fast asleep.  

At 12:45 a.m. (more than 12 after leaving the house), we arrived at our destination. A big thanks to my wonderful family for waiting patiently and taking care of us.  Not sure how I would have managed without you. <3 More pics from the week coming soon!

UPDATE:  After making a call to Amtrak (and sitting on hold for 40 minutes), some compensation in the form of train tickets, should be on their way.  We shall wait (some more) and see. :)