With two young boys, our home is filled with Thomas toys. We have wooden Thomas, electric/plastic Thomas, and Lego Thomas in three separate bins under the boys’ bunk. We’ve navigated the website with a toddler on our laps. I effortlessly talk with the boys about couplers, the merits of a diesel engine v. a steam engine (steam engines are nicer), tressle bridges, barrel loaders, hopper cars, flat cars, tenders, and why Lady Hatt is a bit like Cindy McCain. I know the difference between Edward and Percy. We have the trading cards, all of the videos, books, and music soundtracks. We’ve even gone a trip to visit Thomas in Pennsylvania.

Jonah is completely done with the Thomas phase, though he will sneak into the room and listen to a story that I’m reading to Ian. Ian is nearly done with Thomas, too. There are a few trains on their bedroom rug at the moment, but it’s not the first thing he wants to play with anymore.

It’s all about Pokemon and Bakugan. Bakugan balls that open up when they touch a card are THE toy of the moment. Steve has been instructed to come back from the NYC Toys ‘R Us with six of them for various birthday parties.

I haven’t figured out Bakugan at all, but from what I can pick up from Jonah, this Pokemon stuff is really strange. Trainers fight other trainers, by having their Pokemon battle it out.  It’s got a disturbing Michael Vick vibe. The trainers are the enlightened masters of their pets, which require a firm hand and good care.

My geeky sons spend hours reading charts about the capabilities various Pokemon, so they can win battles on the DS. It’s really a short jog from Pokemon to Dungeons and Dragons.

I haven’t packed up the Thomas toys, yet, but I fear their days are numbered. Their stories about friendship and duty are going to be replaced with war strategy and correct leadership. All those English messages about keeping a stiff upper lip and duty to country will soon be forgotten. We’re now getting stories from modern Japan, which rewards kids for memorizing charts of facts.  Strange world.