A&W Family Blog: July 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

A Day Out With Thomas

Last weekend we took the girls to 'Day Out With Thomas'. This two weekend long event is hosted by the Elgin County Railway Museum and is a great way to introduce children to the railroad. This is also the only place in Canada where you can see Thomas the Tank Engine.

As per Wikipedia.com "Thomas the Tank Engine is a fictional anthropomorphic steam locomotive in The Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher; he became the most popular character in the Series, and the accompanying television spin-off series, Thomas and Friends. Thomas first appeared in 1946 in the second book in the series, Thomas the Tank Engine, and was the focus of the four short stories contained within. In 1979, the British writer/producer Britt Allcroft came across the books, mortgaged her house and used her savings to bring the stories to life as Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends (later simplified to Thomas and Friends). The programme became an award-winning hit around the world, with vast range of spin-off commercial products."

There was one room that had all sorts of Thomas toys that the kids could play with. Of course, this was near the gift shop where parents could buy the same toys for their children.

Our girls had fun jumping inside the blow up Thomas & slide.

Waiting in line to see Thomas actually "riding the rails."

Here he comes!

'Hi Thomas"

We got really good seats for our 45 minute train ride with Thomas.

Apparantly our girls 'LOVE' Thomas!

'Emily' - one of Thomas' friends.

Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of Thomas' railway.

Our youngest was too scared to go near him!

'The Bubble Truck' was there as well.

We then decided to take the free shuttle to the Elgin County Railway Museum to see some 'real' trains.

I think that the girls enjoyed this part even though these trains don't talk.

Windows, Water & Wires, Wires, Wires (sorry L&J)

What a change from less than two weeks ago! Our dream house is starting to get finished inside and out, rather than simply (roughing things in). We now have completed shingles and windows. Although four windows will have to be replaced before we actually move in due to builder errors (or builders that can't read a drawing and/or specification). Walls (exterior and interior) are all completely built. Electrical, HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) and plumbing are all in the completed rough-in stage. As of today, 20JUL2010, insulation and vapour barrier is complete and exterior brickwork was starting. Brick appears to be completed at the back and they are working their way around to the front of the house. Drywall has now been installed in the garage and on most of the ceilings on the second floor. Probably by early next week, the drywall will be complete, taped, mudded and sanded as well. We only have 6 1/2 weeks until we take possesion and all four of us are getting pretty excited!

Our exterior bricks and stones.
Steel beam in the garage. Hopefully we can at least fit one car in this garage! At our first house, the garage quickly became our shed and even a Smart car would've been too big to park inside.

Plumbing and ductwork in the garage ceiling space. I've watched enough episodes of Holmes on Homes to make sure that this area gets plenty of insulation!
Luckily, yesterday (without my camera of course!) I saw that our builder had applied spray insulation in this area.

Somehow my two-year old has acquired enough house building know-how in daycare to inform me the other day "Daddy... just so you know, I think our pee and poop goes there" as she was pointing to the black plastic flange on the floor. All I had told her was that this was going to be the bathroom!! She's one smart cookie!

Note to self: Remove outer cardboard box BEFORE turning on gas fireplace for the first time.

Our foyer from the 2nd floor.

Our master ensuite tub (right) and shower (left).

Our second floor laundry room. I tad drafty at the moment!

Our basement fireplace (remember to remove box, remember to remove box) LOL

Hey brother-in-law- check out the electrical panel. I hope our electrician knows what wire goes where and labels everything properly BEFORE we move in. It appears to be a mess!!!

I will take and post an update picture if this situation changes.

Interesting ductwork in the basement! This starts as one main feed until just the other side of the wall, then it separates at a 'Y' fitting to miss the studs. The white PVC tube is for our central vac.