Train Ride

*I apologize in advance for no pictures. My camera is broken*

The day started out pretty much like any other day. I woke up to the kids fighting over the computer and the ever dreaded sound of "mo'om." I was feeling kind of lazy, playing cards with Rigel and Ara, while still lying in my bed and in my jammies, when the phone call came. There was a cancellation at the Dental Clinic up at Primary Children's, they could bump Vega's appointment up if I could get there at 3. It was noon. "No problem," I said. Vega was in serious need of a dental visit and I wasn't going to pass this up. It was then that I came up with my brilliant plan. I was going to take the train! I hadn't taken the kids on the train since they were little and it was high time I took them again. I packed my backpack with treats, drinks, activity books and colored pencils and we were on our way!

When we got to the train station, I was already running late when I noticed the train was getting ready to depart. I grabbed the kids, skipped the ticket booth and jumped on the train a mere 5 seconds before it left. Orion was ready to panic! We got on the train without paying!! I knew I was busted when I did it, but I didn't think I would feel so guilty when my own child pointed it out to me. I fumbled over excuses, but promised him when we stopped at the station to switch trains I would get the tickets and it would be okay. He was soothed for the moment.

When we got settled, Rigel was in the window seat. He hadn't remembered ever riding the train, so he was pretty excited. When the train started to go fast he jumped into my lap, it scared him to death! After I calmed him down and convinced him he was having fun, I turned to look at Ara. She was clinging to the seat. "What is wrong?" I asked. She kind of looked around and then said, "There are no seat belts, I have to stay in my seat somehow!" I gave her a chuckle and helped her to relax.

It was really kind of fun, the kids were asking all sorts of questions about the places we passed. I was able to point out an old house we lived at and we passed right by Daddy's work. When we got to the station to switch trains, you could tell Rigel was nervous again. I bought my tickets without incident and Orion was very relieved. I really love when things go smoothly.

On the next train, there was a man that seemed to think we would drive him nuts. He took one look at me and my brood and turned to sit somewhere else. I think it is so funny when people are shocked that they are "all yours?" Of course they are all mine! I wouldn't be insane enough to go on adventures into downtown Salt Lake City with anyone elses' children, just my own!

When we finally made it to Primary Children's the man told me how well behaved my children were. I love it when people notice my kids for good reasons instead of the usual awkward ones!

I work really hard on having well behaved children in public, it is when they are at home that I want to pull my hair out.

The appointment went well. Mostly because of the super fantastic Forever Young Zone that they let my kids play in while I visit with the doctors. Let me tell you! They have video games, arts and crafts, barbie houses, train sets, even an electric keyboard with head phones for the musicians. But, the best thing of all...SUPERVISION! Someone else took over for a minute, so I could focus on Vega's dental visit.

Apparently, Vega is a "fascinating subject" her bone structure has changed since she was 2 and I get to do all the genetics testing and see all the specialists that she had to see when she was little. I knew this day was going to come soon, but I swear it snuck up on me faster than expected. If you have a child that requires "special care" you will totally understand what I mean. The time between doctor visits and tests is really a scary thing. Getting MRIs and echo cardiograms. Having them treat your child like a subject instead of a kid. It can really get you worried.

The train ride home, I was dealing with exhausted children. They all made dolls at the Forever Young Zone and were quietly playing with them, as I was stuck in my own thoughts about my next journey with Vega. The transition to the next train was a little scary this time. Rigel had left his doll on the seat and Ara tried to go back and get it. I had to jump in front of the doors before they closed and grab Ara before the train took off with just her in it! That got our hearts pumping a little, so I decided to pass out drinks and treats while we waited for the next train. (Rigel was also heart broken that his doll was gone forever. Luckily, he had an older brother that made a doll too. Orion knew he was to old for the doll, and gave him to Rigel. Sometimes he can still be a sweetie).

I am thankful everyday for the kids God has blessed me with. They make it so my wonderful ideas for adventure go off without a hitch! I'm pretty sure life for me would be pretty boring without them to keep me entertained.