Marvelous Mainland Vacation - Last day! (part 1)

All I can say about these pictures is that this was my train boys' version of heaven.   Mama was able to get us into the Union Pacific Steam shop for a private tour.  We had a blast!  So many trains! and cabooses! and coaches! and the turn table! Mama! Mama! Mama!   These pictures are not in order.

This was the snow blower train which made such an impression on Jimmy it is one of his favorite things to draw now... and our very kind and patient tour guide.

The stars of the show we were most excited to see, the 3985 "challenger"

and the 844 "Big Boy" the two remaining (?) steam locomotives of their size still in operation.

Another engine under restoration...

This was the most still Jimmy would stay for a picture right now, sitting in the cab of the 844.

Headed over to the round house this coach parked out side caught our eye.

And then the snowblower was the center of fascination.

You can just make out the outside curve of what is left of the roundhouse.

Trucks way bigger than the ones in our yard!

And the turntable!

Jimmy was tickled they had a green caboose.

We also stopped to see the Merci Car for Wyoming. This was more interesting for Mama since she talks about it on her train rides. It was nice to see a restored one.

Up next... Part 2 - Bison!

Marvelous Mainland Vacation! "Mama! It's a REAL COWBOY!"

We were nearing the end of the trip! Time to take a journey out into the Highwood Mountains and visit the ranch.

I tried to get a shot of all three generations of James but the youngest one did not cooperate. I did catch the youngest and the oldest, however.

Joey's always ready to cooperate for the camera!

Looking out into the field behind the barn. A beautiful setting for a beautiful wedding!

Of course the boy found the only train within 100 yards! A mysterious boxcar out under the trees... 

The ranch is so beautiful this time of year, it is hard to stop taking pictures of it.  Also having lots of great childhood memories out here doesn't hurt, either!

Grandpa Jim showed the kids around, and had them all try out his old saddle.

We couldn't convince him to show us how it was done, however...

The horses were very curious about the day's events. 

They were also very pleased with the many small hands offering tender greens, as well!

Up Next... the Grand Finale!

Marvelous Mainland Vacation! Anaconda and Great Falls

Welcome back!

As we left off last time, the boys and I left Bozeman and headed a bit off the beaten track, ending up in a sleepy mining town with a giant mountain of coal.

This could only mean one thing...

Great Grandma Mary! 

We were able to stop by for a quick lunch before we headed off once again to our destination for the next few days...

Anyone recognize this butte? If you do, you know we were headed to Great Falls!

We spent one day out at Aunt Tippy and Uncle Keith's homestead to celebrate Tippy's birthday. We got a tour of the hen house, and were able to find one egg in the nesting boxes. 

The boys liked chasing the chickens around in between popsicles and Jimmy discovered he was able to fit into the hen house chicken sized door  

As we fueled up for the next adventure, the boys discovered the joy of buffet dining!

And Grandma Terrie discovered the joy of dining with two almost feral boys! 

Up next... ranch day!