Front Runner

Well, as many of you know, Utah opened it's new commuter rail last Saturday. Justin and I had decided about a month ago that since Monday through Wednesday of this week was free on the train, that we would meet downtown after Justin got off of work and spend some time at the Gateway. So, Monday afternoon, after naps, I, myself, loaded up all three kids and headed to the Clearfield train station. Well, we didn't wait long before the northbound train pulled up and I got these pictures of the kids in front of the Front Runner! Soon after, our southbound train pulled up and we SQUISHED onto it. We had to stand the entire way to Salt Lake. The girls did really well, but I had to hold Bo from about Farmington to Salt Lake. Justin was waiting for us when we got off and we caught Trax and took that to the Gateway. We ate dinner in the food court there and walked around a little bit. After about 45 minutes, the kids were getting crazy, so we headed back the the train. Again, we had to stand the entire way home. Can I just say that being pregnant and holding a sleeping baby standing up in a train for an hour was less than ideal? My lower back and feet hurt so bad, it was ridiculous. After we got off the train, I asked Marianne if she liked it. She told me that she liked the "sitting train" (Trax) better than the "standing train." I thought that was pretty funny. In any case, we can now say that we have ridden "Daddy's Train" as the girls have been calling it for the past few months when we pass it on our way to Bountiful. I think we may try riding it again after the "free days" are past and the excitement dies down a little. Maybe then we will have a seat and not sore backs and feet when we get off.

Here is the Northbound train pulling up.

Allison, Bo and Marianne standing in front of the Northbound train.

I really wanted to get t picture of us actually riding the train, but it was SO crowded that I couldn't even maneuver my camera out of the bag, let alone get back far enough from the kids to snap a picture. Oh well, maybe next time!

Just one more thing. I have to say that I was a little disappointed with the lack of chivalry on the train. On our way down, there were three pregnant women standing while men were sitting just a few feet away. What is worse, on our way home, there was an elderly lady standing by us with nothing to hold on to. She kept loosing her balance when the train would stop and start up again. Well, at her last stop, the train stopped very suddenly and she toppled right over. Luckily, there was a guy with a duffle bag on the floor behind her and the duffle bag broke her fall. But, when she fell, I noticed a bench full of young men and boys sitting not two feet away from this poor lady. It kind of made me mad that they would sit so comfortably as this lady kept loosing her balance and finally fell over. So, for all you men out there that ride this train, this is a call for chivalry! Keep a close eye out for ladies in distress and give your seat to them! Now, I'll get off my soap box and let you go!