For Elic's birthday my mom got tickets for us to ride the Polar Express. Our original plan was to drive to the farm and spend the night with Grandmother then ride the train from Palestine to Rusk the next day. When we called to reserve tickets they were completely booked every Friday and Saturday until the end of the year. So we opted for a Sunday ride and the Sunday that worked best for us was Thanksgiving weekend when Grandmother was in San Antonio. So plan B became going to church then eating a quick lunch at Papaw's before making the drive to Palestine.
My mom had bought the boys their matching pajamas for the train ride, gloves, slippers and these cute Buzz Lightyear blankets complete with a Buzz doll.
Preston insisted on wearing his gloves that Nana got him the ENTIRE time we were on this trip. He also wanted to be covered with his blanket. Now that we were loaded in the car it was time to head out.
When we pulled up to the station we could hear the train's whistle blowing. We were lucky that a gentleman saw all the kids and gear we had and offered us a ride on the golf cart. We had to run to get on the train before it left the station.
The engine was all decorated. We had the first ride of the day and it was just beginning to get dark outside but you could still see all the lights on the train.
Just like in the book and on the movie, they served hot chocolate and cookies.
They played a recording of the book over the PA system, but the train was so old and it was so loud from the excitement of all the kids that you really couldn't hear anything. The servers did walk around with the book and showed the pictures.
We had not watched the movie before this ride and so I had no clue why the conductor took so long to punch our ticket or why he made a "B"on it. But the weekend after this trip we rented the movie (which I HIGHLY recommend) and now it all makes sense! You'll have to watch it for yourself to find out what the B stands for.
Here's Nana ready to go to the North Pole with her angels.
Holden even enjoyed the train ride and all the craziness. . . I mean excitement.
It took about 30 minutes to reach the North Pole (who knew it was so close) and this is the village all lit up. It was hard to get a good picture while the train was moving.
See, it really is the North Pole! And who's that wearing red in the background?
Both Elic and Preston couldn't believe that Santa was outside the train.
And then all the kids started going crazy yelling "He's getting on the train!" and just screaming. Really I wish I had video recorded this part because it reminded Darren and I of the movie Elf when Santa comes to the department store and Buddy screams and says "I know him!" "SANTA". It was just like that!
We had the BEST seats because we were at the front of the car and right there when Santa came onto the train!
He handed every child (including Holden) a beautiful silver bell on a leather strap. You know all these bells are from his reindeer and they only ring for those who truly believe.
Preston was shy about having his picture taken with one of Santa's elves.
Elic and the famous "cheesey" smile.
The train started back for the station and Santa continued on through all the cars handing out the bells.
SANTA!!! The boys couldn't believe what had just happened.
Even Holden got his picture made with Rudolph.
The servers led us in singing many familiar Christmas carols as we rode back to the station. This was by far one of the best activities that we have done as a family. I would love to do it again. Thank you Nana for treating us all to a great beginning of our Christmas holidays!
My mom had bought the boys their matching pajamas for the train ride, gloves, slippers and these cute Buzz Lightyear blankets complete with a Buzz doll.
Preston insisted on wearing his gloves that Nana got him the ENTIRE time we were on this trip. He also wanted to be covered with his blanket. Now that we were loaded in the car it was time to head out.
When we pulled up to the station we could hear the train's whistle blowing. We were lucky that a gentleman saw all the kids and gear we had and offered us a ride on the golf cart. We had to run to get on the train before it left the station.
The engine was all decorated. We had the first ride of the day and it was just beginning to get dark outside but you could still see all the lights on the train.
Just like in the book and on the movie, they served hot chocolate and cookies.
They played a recording of the book over the PA system, but the train was so old and it was so loud from the excitement of all the kids that you really couldn't hear anything. The servers did walk around with the book and showed the pictures.
We had not watched the movie before this ride and so I had no clue why the conductor took so long to punch our ticket or why he made a "B"on it. But the weekend after this trip we rented the movie (which I HIGHLY recommend) and now it all makes sense! You'll have to watch it for yourself to find out what the B stands for.
Here's Nana ready to go to the North Pole with her angels.
Holden even enjoyed the train ride and all the craziness. . . I mean excitement.
It took about 30 minutes to reach the North Pole (who knew it was so close) and this is the village all lit up. It was hard to get a good picture while the train was moving.
See, it really is the North Pole! And who's that wearing red in the background?
Both Elic and Preston couldn't believe that Santa was outside the train.
And then all the kids started going crazy yelling "He's getting on the train!" and just screaming. Really I wish I had video recorded this part because it reminded Darren and I of the movie Elf when Santa comes to the department store and Buddy screams and says "I know him!" "SANTA". It was just like that!
We had the BEST seats because we were at the front of the car and right there when Santa came onto the train!
He handed every child (including Holden) a beautiful silver bell on a leather strap. You know all these bells are from his reindeer and they only ring for those who truly believe.
Preston was shy about having his picture taken with one of Santa's elves.
Elic and the famous "cheesey" smile.
The train started back for the station and Santa continued on through all the cars handing out the bells.
SANTA!!! The boys couldn't believe what had just happened.
Even Holden got his picture made with Rudolph.
The servers led us in singing many familiar Christmas carols as we rode back to the station. This was by far one of the best activities that we have done as a family. I would love to do it again. Thank you Nana for treating us all to a great beginning of our Christmas holidays!
No comments:
Post a Comment