Peyton's FIRST Train Ride!

This weekend was the Abilities United Carnival at Peyton's preschool. James and I have been trying to plan a day to take Peyton on the train, but couldn't find the right time because we would always need a car wherever we ended up. Plus, we didn't want to go anywhere too far, in case he didn't like it (you never know).

There's a train station about a mile away from Peyton's preschool, so we decided that a 4 stop ride would be perfect as a starter trip. I dropped James and Peyton off at the Redwood City station. I waited with them until the train came.

Peyton was SO excited.

He was happy to hear the train.

There it is!

Waiting patiently.

So excited!

I apologize for the loud screech of the train's brakes as it stopped at the station, but here's a quick video of them getting on the train.

I picked them up at the California Street station and we made our way over to the Carnival. We had a lot of fun, and Peyton got to experience his first jumpy house. He loved it!

Then it was back to the train station and I got my turn to ride with him back to Redwood City, while James drove to pick us up.

 The earlier train had been very full, so Peyton had to sit on James' lap and couldn't really look out the window as there was someone in the window seat. The Northbound train was pretty empty, so we got seats to ourselves and Peyton got to sit by the window. 

 He was surprised to hear the conductor's voice come over the intercom.

We had fun!

 I tried to get him to look at my phone while saying Chugga Chugga Choo Choo, but he was glued to the window. Once again, I apologize for the loud background sound.

 He was really fascinated by how fast things were passing.

He LOVED riding the train. He keeps asking to ride the train again. Now, he wants to ride the train to the Academy of Sciences. The train station is on the other side town, so we'd definitely have to split up and have one of us drive up and pick us up and then drive to the Academy. Maybe....

Our "Playdate" with the Matsuda Family at the Academy of Sciences

At our last playdate with Naoki, we mentioned that we are members at the California Academy of Sciences and invited them to join us whenever they wanted on a trip with the boys. Due to some scheduling conflicts, we were finally able to make the joint trip last weekend!

Peyton did his usual stop at the T-Rex, but I was amazed that he limited it to just a few minutes when Naoki said he wanted to see the sharks. We made our way to the ostrich exhibit.

They were 53 days old and significantly bigger than the last time we were there!

We made our way down to the aquarium. Naoki loved the Philippine Coral Reef.

The wonderful Matsuda family!

We got lucky and got to see a diver cleaning the tank.

Naoki and Satoko watched the diver intently.

Even Koki was intrigued!

Koki really liked the diver and the tank.

Isn't he just adorable?!?!

But, I don't blame him - it's an amazing view!

Peyton and James made their way to meet us and Peyton greeted Naoki with a kiss (of course).

Then it was back to his newest fascination at the Academy - the pythons!

I'm so glad they're all sealed up.... :-)

Back to the Philippine Coral Reef.

I could sit here all day - it's amazing!

Peyton and Naoki decided that they wanted to see the penguins in the African Hall, so we made our way back upstairs.

In the six months that we have been going to the Academy, this is the first time we realized that the landscape behind the zebra and oryx diorama is a digital screen that loops an elephant stroll through the African savannah.

Peyton and Naoki climbed up on some "rocks" to watch the elephants.

Naoki making a funny face.

Koki decided to join in the fun.

Hi Koki!

We took a lunch break, then took a quick peek on the roof (it was cold and very windy that day), and then explored the second floor - the naturalist and education floor. Peyton was very interested in examining mini plastic skull replicas of homo sapiens, homo erectus, australopithecus, and a chimpanzee. He was so focused. He sat still for about 15 minutes just playing with them. Opening their jaws and studying the differences. Peyton is extremely active; he doesn't sit still for very long, so this was incredible.

Peyton's latest point of interest has recently been volcanoes. We were excited that the education center was playing an episode of PBS' Nova on Mount St. Helen's. He was so happy!

Being that we had Peyton and Naoki together, it was just a matter of time before a game of chase started. And they did not disappoint us! Even Koki joined in the fun.

 It was getting late, so we made our way back down to the aquarium for a different view of the Philippine Coral Reef in the deeper, darker room. The room is lit with a blue light, and I love this picture of Naoki.

But of course, the main focus of the room is the large round window into the depths of the reef.

Buddies enjoying the view. (One of my favorite pictures).

Before we left, we made one last stop to show Naoki and his family the water show.

It was a long day, we were there for about 6 hours (we had previously spent no more than 4 hours there), but we saw so much and had so much fun! We look forward to coming back with the Matsudas!