On the Polar Express

Last Christmas season Luke saw "The Polar Express" movie and fell in love with it. He already loves trains, so top that off with a train that goes to the North Pole to see Santa and you had him at hello. We watched 2,002 times (Whoop!), and I finally was able to taper off the viewings around March. When I found out that the Historic Grapevine Train puts on a North Pole Express ride, I signed us us. We went the Saturday after Thanksgiving to kick off the Christmas season. That afternoon, we gave Luke a gift to open and it was the Polar Express book (narrated by Liam Neeson, a classic) and told him we were going. He ran and put on his jammies and grabbed his robe and we were off. The cold weather and hustle and bustle of Christmas around Grapevine really brought in the Christmas spirit. The only thing we were not a fan of was the Christmas concert they put on for you while you're waiting in line. I guess it's just their idea of a nice way for you to wait, but if you or any of your children are sensitive to loud, obnoxious noise, it's not very fun. After that torture (and I know it sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I'm not), we walked outside and it was SNOWING! :) They have a snow machine that snows all over you while you walk through a maze of Christmas trees to board the train. The conductor punched our tickets and we boarded onto a train car decorated with lots of Christmas cheer. The elves on board were much more low key, and the mood peaceful and magical. The ride was wonderful and we sang a few songs, but mostly just looked at Christmas lights outside. Then Santa came through and shook hands with all the little ones (and maybe had his eye on Gigi. I told her I thought being Mrs. Clause might be her calling). It was a great experience, and I hope we get to do it again in the years to come.

The First Gift of the Christmas Season
Busted! (But still cutie patootie)
What could it be?

Waiting in the Christmas night air to board the train.
All Aboard!
Settling In
Handsome Boys
Reid's mission was to not be sitting still the entire train ride.

Great smiles Nana and Papa...boys, I'll give ya a candy cane to show some camera love.
What a good uncle to tolerate the joys of toddlers and things like the Polar Express.