The results were slightly disappointing, in that somebody tried to cheat, setting up numerous false user accounts so they could rig the vote. They weren’t even creative about it; I mean, they could have registered Ronald McDonald (RMac@MickeyDs.com) or George Washington (TheOriginalGW@savethecherrytrees.com). Instead, it’s just things like user name “b” with address “b@b.com.” If you were going to cheat, couldn’t you at least do it with style? It didn’t changed the outcome, however, and it wasn’t specifically against the rules, so in the end it doesn’t really matter.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed seeing other parents and kids, reflections of our family, enjoying each other and enjoying trains. If shipping weren’t so prohibitively expensive I’d like to send out about 6 prizes — great pictures like Kasper in his “boxcar,” Sean with the original Polar Express, the delightful look on Lex’s face while riding and Jerzy’s face while watching. Since I can’t do that, I have to narrow it down. I don’t want to!
In any case, one prize will be going to Robert Muh for A Boy & His Dog, for getting the most votes. Another will go to my pick, Fox and Lex with their GeoTrax coaster, which makes me smile every time I see it. Two honorable mentions, even if I can’t send them prizes — one to Shawn’s first REAL train ride, for being the best photograph entered, and one to A.J., who is obviously an all-trains-all-the-time kid like my own son; I wish I could send him an extra prize just because I know how exciting it would be for him to open that package!
These kids are at the center of our lives and it’s nice to see other parents enjoying them the same way. Thanks to everyone for participating!