We spent a lovely sunny Southern California day at the always beautiful Balboa Park.

Our first stop was the Model Railroad Museum.  We had never been before and with Flynn’s growing fascination for trains it had been on my ‘must see’ list for a while.  I discovered that Tuesday’s they have Mac’s Kids Corner with special train related activities for little ones so off we went.

Flynn was in train heaven.  Marisol and Jayden loved it.  Heck, I’ll admit it, even I loved it.  The model railroads were so elaborate.   So much detail had gone into every exhibit and there were plenty of things for the little ones to do when they weren’t watching all of the amazing trains whizzing through towns, into tunnels and over bridges.  They had 2 large train tables set up and a Thomas video playing in one area and then Mac’s Kids Corner upstairs with drawing, books, puzzles, train tracks and play mats galore.  All of that for the whopping price of $2.50 with my military ID card.  Normally it would be $6 for adults and children under 15 get in for free.  You can’t beat that.

These photographs really don’t do it justice as to how large and elaborate the model railroads are.  This is just a tiny snippet of what we saw … from the dessert, to the mountains to towns, circus cars and coasters, it truly was amazing.

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Then it was off to a little cafe to pick up some sandwiches and drinks for a picnic at the playground.

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Then finally a wander through the rose garden which was in full bloom and absolutely spectacular.

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It was a wonderful day.  Beautiful weather.  Well behaved children.  So many fabulous things to see and do and explore.

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10 comments

Betty Flocken March 31, 2009 - 5:00 pm

These are beautiful photos. The kids are so beautiful. Jay is cute – I’m pretty sure you’ll have girls swarming all over the place soon

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Ali, Ryan and Rayna March 31, 2009 - 5:00 pm

as always, your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Glad you mentioned the railroad museum, good to hear from someone who has been there, since we are planning to go when a friend comes to town this month!

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OHmommy March 31, 2009 - 5:00 pm

Beautiful day with well behaved kids? Whoa… that is an awesome day. Beautiful pictures Tonya.

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Threeundertwo March 31, 2009 - 5:00 pm

I love their little pouty faces as they pay rapt attention to the Thomas set.Sounds like such a fun day, and the rose garden is beautiful!

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Harris Boys April 1, 2009 - 5:00 pm

I’ll trade weather with you…its been nasty and rainy for over a week here. Love all the trains..my boys would be in heaven. Well behaved children always make for a better day!

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Cheryl Lage April 1, 2009 - 5:00 pm

Lawsy Tonya….the plants are purty, but your kids, purtier! :)What a great doucmentation of the day. 🙂

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Stacy of KSW April 1, 2009 - 5:00 pm

Hi Tonya,Just wanted to stop by and say, I wish you were my MOm or at least my best friend. I’ve been following your blog for just a few weeks but you are always doing something super fun with the kids. You certainly make me want to be a better mom and I’m sure there are a lot of other folks who feel teh same way.I’m sorry your husband had to be redeployed, I hope the rest of his tour flys by. As a recently separated military momma I can relate. I was deployed 900+ days. Once the kids came, I knew my life needed to change. Now, I’m trying to learn things from your side of the fence (my husband does all of the traveling these days) and am thankful I found you to help me out.Stacy

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Jen B. April 1, 2009 - 5:00 pm

Gorgeous photos! Glad you had such a fun day!

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Anonymous April 1, 2009 - 5:00 pm

I have never commented before, but check your blog a lot. I just had to this time – your children are absolutely daring – and your photography is great.Carol

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Shannon April 2, 2009 - 5:00 pm

First of all, those flower photos are so gorgeous! We haven’t wandered over to that garden before, so that will be on our list for next time!Second, I didn’t know about the Kids’ Corner thing at the train museum. That is so cool! We’ll hopefully get to check that out soon too 🙂

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