The Little Steam Engine That Could
Happy Birthday, Victor!



Saturday we enjoyed a unique family outing that is very popular among Czechs. We rode a circa 1917 coal-fired steam engine train. There were a total of 12 adults (including 2 grandparents and an uncle) and 6 kids in our group. It was Victor's 4th birthday, which added to the merriment. Although our destination, Dobříš, is only about 40 km from Prague, it took two hours to get there. (And a little more than that to get back!) Along the way there were lots of folks waiting to see us pass and the kids enjoyed waving to them. In Dobříš, we visited a festival celebrating the month of May, but spent most of our time at a castle. The kids had lots of fun, both on the train and off. The weather was fantastic! Balloons, courtesy of Claudia, really helped to keep the kids entertained on the train. (Not sure it made us all that popular with others in our car, though...)



The train...




The birthday boy...




Ella enjoying the ride...




"Family Photo" (cw) - Jeff, Irina, Petr,
Patricie, & Ella



Ella & Linnea getting cuddly on the way back to Prague...






Today, Sunday, was another beautiful day... sunny and around 30 C / 85 F. (Check out the forecast for the week in Celsius and Farenheit - WOOHOO!) Jeff, Ella, and I visited the Prague Botanical Garden for the first time. It was lovely and quiet and much cooler with the shade provided by all the trees.







And now it's time to start another work week...



But first, CONGRATULATIONS to Teri and Alan Gauntt on the arrival of beautiful Kira Madison on May 13....what a Mother's Day gift!!!!!