Union Station ~ Fun Memories

I have got some pretty awesome kids. They leave me amazed.  With my oldest son playing hockey, we find ourselves on the road quite a bit for games.  I have routinely tried to make sure each trip included something unique to the area we were visiting and something different than hockey.  Part of it is because I have felt sorry for the younger kids.  Part of it is for my own sanity.  If I am going to drive all those miles and freeze in a rink (loving almost every minute of it) I would like to see a little bit more of these towns than their local ice rinks.  Thankfully, the internet is a wonderful resource for finding things to do.  Kansas City is a frequent spot.  Sometimes we visit regular favorites like Legends Outdoor Mall, other times we find something new.  About a year ago, during a visit, we popped into Union Station.  It was decorated for Christmas and there were a whole bunch of Gingerbread Houses on display.  Our imaginations were caught.  Unfortunately we didn't have time to stay.  It was put on the list.  Recently, with a game forfeited and extra time I asked the kids what was one thing they would like to do for fun.  Anywhere between home and Kansas City.  We had some extra time.  Union Station was the answer!  This time I put them in charge of the internet search.  Times, details, etc.  With a little bit of guidance they figured out how to explore the internet and learn more about Union Station.
Anticipation was building. But none of it prepared them for what we found.

This piano.. for my creative ones... just begged to be photographed. 

What train station/depot doesn't need an exhibit of model trains?  The attention to detail was delightful.  The variety of scenes and layouts brought out lots of enthusiasm for all of us.  Along with the "scavenger hunt" lists at each scene.  Special details to look for.  

This old west scene done with Legos captivated us.  The attention to detail mixed with unexpected surprises delighted my Lego lovers. (Well all of us actually!)

My youngest Lego fan was just tickled by the man in the tree stump.  A robber with money in his hand hiding!  (below)

Tucked inside, Indiana Jones is making a purchase and a bank robber with bandanna on his face is resting above on the roof.  

Robbery in progress!  

While the robbery is taking place inside, there is dynamite being placed and fire happening up front at one of the windows.  The rest of the gang is escaping out the front door. 

It just wouldn't be the wild west without cattle, a cowboy and a lasso. 

With all the gun fighting, dynamite and robberies happening, there is bound to be an untimely event.  One has passed already and laid to rest.  

As we continued on our way, we discovered a drive in situated near the tracks.  The feature movie at the drive-in?  But of course, "Thomas the Train!"

I had to get down on my knees with my youngest Lego fan for this one.  "It's creepy mom!"

"Really creepy!"  ~  "There's mannequins in the windows and they don't have faces!" 

We wandered around a bit more.  Found ourselves outside where the trains do roll by.  Then we found ourselves walking down some hallways able to see framed blueprints from the construction of Union Station and its restoration.  There was chuckling over hairstyles from early 1900s.  A bit of conversation about how dates were written, such as 5-22-11... and that "11"  didn't mean 2011, but 1911.  One of the wiser ones mentioned the photo was from 1911.  Someone couldn't find the 19...how did we know it was 19 - 11.   Oh, how the times change.  What ever will it be like for them when my grandchildren and great grandchildren try to wrap their minds around the 1900s and early 2000's?

When all was done and said, I asked the kids if it was worth the exploration.  It was unanimous ~ Yes.  We also enjoyed some people watching.  Some teens were there all dressed up for a formal dance that weekend.  A wedding party arrived in all their lovely attire.  The echoes in the hall captured our imaginations.  We couldn't fathom the noisiness of a bustling train station a hundred years ago.  

I hope my kids take these memories with them into their adult years.  I hope they remember to carve out moments to just explore and see what is up around the corner.  An hour here or there can be just enough to inspire and fascinate and break up the routine before getting back to the every day.