Junction Valley Railroad

Our time in Michigan was drawing to an end. Caleb and I spent our last full day, at Junction Valley Railroad in Bridgeport, with Papa Dave and Grandma Sandy. Junction Valley Railroad is the largest quarter-size railroad in the world and the perfect day trip for a little boy who loves planes, trains and automobiles! Caleb sat on Grandma's lap as he anxiously awaited the arrival of the train. When it pulled into the station, Caleb selected the orange car and we all climbed inside. The train made its way along the track, over bridges and around the lake. It finally came to a stop in the middle of a wooded picnic area. Caleb immediately spotted a sandbox filled with gigantic Tonka toys! The picnic area also had bikes, wagons and scooters. Caleb tried them all, and Grandma too! After awhile, we managed to pry Caleb away from the sandbox long enough to enjoy a picnic lunch and an ice cream with Papa. Before boarding the train for our return trip, Caleb and Papa walked over the bridge on their stroll through the park. Back at the station, Caleb and Papa visited the train store. Caleb selected a train tie for Papa and a small train for himself. Papa also picked out a train coloring book and crayons for Caleb's plane ride back home to Tucson.

Waiting for the train to arrive

All aboard and ready to go

In search of the ideal picnic spot

GIGANTIC Tonka Toys....oh yeah!

Capturing a moment with my Mom...

and my Dad

Papa, check this out!

On a walk with Papa

Wow....look at that!

Let's go Papa!

His smile says it all

Faster please!

Don't worry Grandma, help is on the way!

Let's scoot!

My incredibly, beautiful Mom

Caleb also got to see a crop duster on our way home...what a day!

The following day would bring a quiet ride to the airport. Caleb and Papa watched the planes come and go from the parking garage before we all made our way inside. Mom was able to obtain a gate pass, but we would have to depart from Dad at security. With an aching heart and eyes filled with tears, I watched until he was no longer in sight. We stopped for a water and Caleb found a fuzzy critter named Chester that he just couldn't live without, and Grandma couldn't pass up the opportunity to shower him with one last thing. He attached his new treasure to his Toy Story backpack, also a gift from Grandma, and we were off to the gate. After a last minute gate change, which took us all the way to the other end of the terminal, it was time for Caleb and I to board the plane. We hugged Grandma one more time and made our way onto to the plane and home to Daddy! Thank you Mom and Dad for the incredible memories that were made and the immense love we share. We are truly blessed.

Watching planes at the airport, wishing time would stand still

Back in Arizona, making our way home from Phoenix