Train Ride to San Clemente

Since taking our family pics in San Juan at the train Depot last week, Max has been obsessed with going on a real train ride. We told him he could go on a train ride if he earned it by doing chores and paying for his own train ticket. This past week Max was WONDERFUL! He fed the dog, set the table, stayed in the "Happy Box" at school every day, and made sure that he collected enough coins in his piggy bank for the amazing train ride. I kept telling him it cost $4.50 to ride the train from San Juan to San Clemente. So, when we went to Costco and he starting begging to buy the DVD Horton Hears A who, I told him it cost $18.99 which was like 4 train rides. I then asked him if he'd rather buy the movie or go on 4 train rides. He put the DVD back and said "4 Train rides mom, this DVD is way too much money". I had to laugh but am so glad that for a moment he understood the concept that money isn't just something mom has in her magical bag to give to him whenever he wants it. We'll see how long this lasts for. So Sat night we went to the train depot in San Juan and rode the train. Grammy, Audrey, Max and I went and Papa picked us up in San Clemente since the train only went one way after 7pm. He was sooooo excited. He thought it was especially fun when the conductor overshot the peir by 2 miles and we rode the train backwards. The only thing I'm nervous about now is his motivation to continue to do good in the weeks to come. I hope the train ride thing works still :)