All Aboard! By Kinley Marie

Hello! It's me again, Kinley.

All aboard for a new adventure! You know I'm a regular at the Topeka Zoo. But a little train caught my eye when we visited Gage Park last week.

I've read books about trains, like The Little Engine Who Could and Cars, Trucks, Planes & Trains. But I figured instead of just reading about trains, it was time for a little in-depth, investigative reporting.

My Grandma paid our money and off we went on our adventure. The train took us on the one-mile trip on the tracks through Gage Park. We waved to people along the way.

When we chugged back into the station, the conductor said we could pull the horn and make the train say, "Toot! Toot!"

I thought I wanted to do it, but when I got up to the front of the train, there was a big, tall stranger, and I decided I'd let Mommy do it instead.

Then we were off on our next adventure. While we were on the train, my Grandma saw a merry-go-round, and she thought we needed to ride it, too.  The carousel was built in 1908. That's even older than my Grandma and Grandpa. It's one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation, and it's in my town!

The carousel had animals, so Grandpa and I petted them.

Originally built in 1908, the carousel is one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation. The carousel houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. - See more at: http://topekachamber.org/why-topeka/things-to-do/must-see-experiences/138#sthash.z5HcxBp0.dpuf

Originally built in 1908, the carousel is one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation. The carousel houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. - See more at: http://topekachamber.org/why-topeka/things-to-do/must-see-experiences/138#sthash.z5HcxBp0.dpuf

Originally built in 1908, the carousel is one of fewer than 200 original American carousels still in operation. The carousel houses a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. - See more at: http://topekachamber.org/why-topeka/things-to-do/must-see-experiences/138#sthash.z5HcxBp0.dpuf

Everything was going just fine until this loud music came on. Grandma tried to tell me it was just music from the 1909 Wurlitzer band organ, but I didn't like it one little bit. I went to Grandma and hid my eyes.

Grandpa had fun, though.

You know, I have a confession to make. Yesterday, I told you that my family is pretty predictable when it comes to entertainment. Well, I guess I have to plead guilty, too.

Give me a book to read, and I'm a happy girl, people! It's even better when there are extra people available to read. Uncle Brent is a good reader. So are Grandma and Grandpa.

When it comes to playgrounds, I know what I like, too. I know there were all sorts of slides and stuff to climb on at the Gage Park playground. But what can I tell you? I like to swing. I will swing just as long as someone is willing to push me.

But, I do have to admit it's fun to get a new toy once in awhile. Grandma and Grandpa brought me this kitchen that my Aunt Kathy found at a garage sale. I cooked lots of food for Uncle Brent and Grandpa. They even ate their broccoli. It must be 'cause I'm such a good cook.

I guess it just goes to show you that you can be thankful for the same old things - like zoos and swings - and then celebrate the new things, too.

Until next time,
Kinley Marie
(with a little help from Grandma)