Dayton's Birthday Party on the Mount Hood Railroad

We all gathered at 1:30 on a 100 degree plus Saturday to celebrate Dayton's 3rd birthday. How is it possible that this incredibly sweet boy is now three? Look at the grip he has on his Grandpa's hand. Sorry about cutting off your head, Neal.

Dayton's pink complexion is not a fault of the photograph. It was just THAT hot!

This is a really cute photo of Don and Gaylynne. Marilyn was taking their picture and Neal grabbed a shot as well.

Dayton was decked out in his "train" shirt and his engineer's cap. He looked so cute.

We sat in the soft chairs until the train ride started and then we opted to move to the open air car and the hard wood seats.

It was so much more fun there.

Look at the enthusiasm on Melanie's sweet face.

This was a great outing for the whole family.

This shot was taken from the open air car. The train engine at this point of the ride was pushing us instead of pulling.

We took this shot from the open air car and you can see the red caboose at the end of the train.

Naturally, we had to sing, "Who spilled the juice in the caboose".

The engine pushed us to the switchback where the worker switched the tracks for us and the engine then began to tow us.

Gaylynne sat up in the caboose just long enough to get pictures with the kids. The windows were closed and it was sweltering hot up there. What a good sport.

This is the dining car where Courtney and I met up with one of the "bad guys". He was toting a gun and Courtney grabbed hold of my leg and wouldn't let go until we were "safe".








We experienced a western train robbery which was quite fun.

Melanie was sitting on my lap and when I told her that the robber was coming and was going to steal her play money which was given at the beginning of the ride she lifted her shirt and stuffed the bills saying, "Quick, Grandma, hide your money".

When she lied and told the robber that she didn't have any money he threatened the entire back row. "Wait 'til Pedro gets here. I'm going to tell him to take care of everyone on the back row".

As soon as he turned his back on us to deal with the other passengers she quickly moved up two seats to sit with her mother. No longer on the back row she felt comfortable and safe.

Little Emma was concerned that we were too close to the cliff and wondered how the train didn't fall over. I was giving her an explanation when Neal took this photo. I'm not sure I had convinced her.

When the robber got to Gaylynne and Dayton and told them to "Put their hands up", Dayton quickly obeyed.

And then when commanded to hand over his money he did that too.

This is one of the robbers. He snatched the video cam from one of the passengers and proceeded to go up and down the aisle making a film for its owner. What a hoot!


This robber saw that Courtney had Skittles which Neal had bought for all the kids. He demanded "a" Skittle which she obediently gave him.

Funny that when the train was pulling back into the station he was outside and demanded another Skittle she laughed at him and told him "No". Very brave when he wasn't standing right by her.