California or Bust, Day 2 | NY to IL

We left Niagara Falls, and headed west along Interstate 90. Before we hit the big road though, we made a stop through Tim Hortons (for my first time ever). Now, let’s get one thing straight…I am a born and bred, DIEHARD Dunkin’ Donuts gal. They are, quite literally, everywhere in MA. For example..

That being said…
TIMOTHY HORTON, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE??? Holy buckets, it was so good. We won’t talk about how much breakfast came to, but let’s just say I was feeling obligated to try a few different things. Did you know that they infuse their sausage with maple? Yes. YES. I won’t even get started on the Timbits. I’ve been ruined. RUUUUIIIINNNNED.

They’re not fooling. I managed not to slip into a sugar coma, and we were on our way. It was going to be another long day of driving, because we were planning to meet up with friends outside of Chicago, for dinner.

A little civil disobedience in Indiana.

We finally made it to Downers Grove (IL), and, thanks to the Roadtrippers app, an awesome little slice of young child heaven. All Aboard Diner claims to be “the best family theme-dining experience in Downers Grove,” and I certainly believe it. We met up with some longtime friends…for the first time ever. The power of the internet is strong, right?

I thought Elijah was going to spontaneously combust, the minute we walked through the door. It was like Christmas, birthday, and winning the lotto, all rolled into a single diner.

The food was delivered to us on a train, y’all. A Train. So I’m thinking, “this is all great, but something has to be lacking.” Nope. The food was also amazing, and the owners were so kind. It was apparent that they love bringing the joy to kids of all ages. They even handed out little, plastic, train whistles (shaped like a train, even) on our way out. *twitch*