We are officially Texans again. We got back this evening at around 5 pm. The weather cooperated some so as to not send us running back. It was only in the 80's and not raining. So, this will be my next to last California post. I'm still a day behind. So, 2 days before we left we took the kids out for a ride on Amtrak. We picked up the train in Santa Barbara and took it down south to Carpinteria (the 1st stop). Here they are waiting for the train-

and the ride-

From certain parts of the route the view was amazing.

They got a kick out of the ticket guy, the conductor right?-

When we got there we walked into downtown. We went to a place to get Steven some coffee. Finn grabbed a bag and was holding it saying "my coffee!". The idea of that kid mixed with coffee is SCARY!

Finn has started this new thing. When he gets mad at you, he points at you and says "You stranger, you mean!" You know, you do your best to give them information that they need in a way that they are able to understand...sometimes it just doesn't really work the way you imagine it. That day he was pointing at some car driving by and calling it a "stranger!" It looks like this-

and then he makes this little face when he's done-

After the whole stranger thing, we took the kids to a candy store, Robitaille's, where they make most of their own candy. The kids were in heaven. They were so happy that they even had a moment of (free will) sharing!

They were allowed 3 choices each. Finn got a candy ring, a candy bracelet and a huge lollipop. Sayer got candy corns, sour ring gummy things and a Lightning McQueen pez dispenser. We walked up to the beach and they ate some of their loot. We played for a little bit and headed back to catch the train. It was a great little half day adventure. We were back in SB by nap time!

Now it's off to bed because it's back to work and school for us!