Outfit Details

On Lauren: Gap Jacket (old, similar here and here), UNIQLO Top, Gap Jeans

H&M Flats (old, similar here)

On James: Gap Sweatshirt (how cute are the boys in their matching sweatshirts?!), Hat

The Essex Steam Train has been at the top of my list to visit ever since I read about it while researching wedding venues. The train transforms into the Polar Express throughout Christmastime, a romantic date night during the summer, and Thomas the Train in the spring.  My sister-in-law and I decided it would be a fun experience for our children to see Thomas so we booked our tickets immediately as we heard it sells out quickly.

We parked a few miles down the road, hopped on board a yellow school bus packed with other eager families, and headed straight to the train. We were greeted by friendly faces and a small children’s fair full of rides and activities. Arriving about thirty minutes before boarding time, we were instantly drawn to the Thomas the Train photo op where we took multiple family photos.

Right on time, we boarded the train, found a few rows of seats where we could all sit together, and hunkered down for the ride. The train drove into the woods, which will be beautiful when the leaves have grown back on the trees.  Stories of Thomas were projected on the loudspeaker throughout the ride which kept the children engaged.  It was only about 25 minutes but the boys loved it and couldn’t stop looking out the window the whole time. After the ride, we walked around the area, indulging in fried carnival food (the fried dough was my favorite!), playing with toy trains, and enjoying the old fashioned train cars. There was even a petting zoo with baby goats!

I’ve been waiting to wear this white mock turtleneck since I purchased it a few months ago. The ribbed material is comfortable and soft yet also very flattering. I would also pair it with high-waisted jeans or black culotte pants with a sweater draped over my shoulders. I wore my green jacket in the morning when the clouds were present but as soon as the sun came out, the weather was warm enough for just my short-sleeve turtleneck sweater. If my white sneakers hadn’t gone missing in the move, I would have worn them. I ended up wearing my go-to scalloped flats since they match everything.