the train, the track and the challenge

My kids are big fans of Thomas the train. They love his videos (proof that kids don't need much to be entertained - the videos are very simple, they include the actual trains- no animation - and voice overs) and they love to "play trains".

Kory has joined them in this love affair (although he does NOT love the Thomas videos) and every night before bed he will build a train track for the kids (which they destroy the next day, if not sooner). The tracks are quite elaborate and they (I mean Kory) always want to show them off when they are complete.

I always enjoy that time of day. Kory is entertaining the kids (he is a GREAT dad!) and I enjoy some time with Sean or (even better) time alone! The other day, however, the gauntlet was laid.

"Megan, have you ever made a train track?" he asked.

"Me?" I replied, wanting to clarify that he was in fact asking if I personally had ever built a train track. "Why, do you think I can't do it?"

"I think it is tougher than you might think," he countered. "I challenge you to make a train track."

Well, yesterday, I took the challenge. I set out to prove to my husband, my kids and myself that I too can create decent train tracks. And, I think my end result was quite good!


The kids agreed that I created a decent train track (although typically the boys will agree to anything if it is presented to them in the right tone of voice with candy). But Mya informed me that Daddy does it better! Kory agreed with Mya's synopsis, but I think even he would have to admit that I created a decent track for a beginner!

Last night, the kids took up the gauntlet Kory had laid for me and created their own train track.

According to Mya, it is "the best track in the world." Maybe this one will last a little longer than the others before being destroyed. As for me, I think I'll leave the track building process to the experts and enjoy the free time Thomas and friends create by entertaining my kids!