To Belfast On The Train

Written by Lisa on Monday 9 February 2009

I think it's so funny that the things we take for granted are often the things which amuse children most.

Take public transport for example. Once we viewed it as a neccessity for getting to and from work and never really looked forward to a journey on a grotty bus or train complete with weeks old chewing gum on the seats. But for our kids, so used to being ferried about in their own car seats, a day out on a train is a huge adventure, even if it is only for a 25 minute journey.

The kids are on a week long half term break at the minute and Gerard and I have launched project 'Exhaust The Children'. We have decided to take them out every day this week and engage them in tasks which will leave them tired out and ready to sleep when they return home. Today's excursion consisted of a drive to Antrim then a train journey to Belfast. The kids were so excited about the train journey that they could talk about nothing else all weekend. Daniel in particular was so cute and giddy and when we disembarked from the train he earnestly said 'Thank you Thomas' to the engine.

Once in Belfast we picniced at City Hall (in the wind and rain!), read in central library, played in the children's area of Castle Court and stopped for crisps on the way. Not the height of excitement but they all seemed to have a marvellous day. Rachel in particular loved the library and got cross when any of us spoke to her and interrupted her obviously enthralling story book.

We are still planning what will happen tomorrow but it will involve lots of running, home made food ( we have vowed to cut down on takeaways!) and an open air venue. Here's hoping that Project Exhaust The Kids works well enough in the meantime to allow us a decent lie in before we set off!