the polar express

last wednesday night, we went on...the polar express. (you have to say it like they do in the movie, very loud and exaggerated). we booked our tickets very early because they sell out fast!

we got there with some time to spare and needed to eat dinner. they have a cute little buffet restaurant there. they served a holiday meal with corndogs and mac and cheese for the kids. they had dessert too. after our meal, we made our way to the train depot. it was already dark outside and they had all their christmas lights out. they had a picture spot in front of a train for all of us to stand in front of and take our pics.

it was EXTREMELY cold! being from southern california, cold and me have an estranged relationship. the air was freezing which did not feel good on my sore throat or my cough. i dont know how cold because my van is the lowest level of vans so mine did not come with an outdoor thermometer. take my word for it though, it was frigid! i'm guessing in the 30's.

we got our tickets and found our way to train car B and waited for them to let us on. once we got on we quickly noticed that it was nice and heated! yay! we then took off our layers and layers of clothes and were left with our pajamas. well, the kids were left with their pajamas. we were riding the polar express, after all, they had to be in pj's to get the full effect.

as we traveled, we went through a magical tunnel in which we sped through time and brought us very close to the north pole. we were served chocolate chip cookies (baked by mrs. claus) and hot cocoa. we were visited by the conductor and were read the book, "the polar express". we then arrived at the north pole. we saw the lights through the windows and saw santa and the reindeer. we didn't get off, because it is the north pole and it had snow on the ground. duh!

as we made our way back to the train station, we realized that santa himself had boarded the train! we couldn't believe our eyes. he made his way down the aisle and gave each child a special gift. an actual bell from his sleigh! the kids were super happy and thrilled. we sang christmas songs all the way back too. i loved the looks on their faces.

when we got back we put all our layers of clothing back on and made our way to the car. we had a blast and highly recommend this excursion for any family with small kids. just remember to bundle up. it gets cold at 7500 feet elevation in northern arizona!

ellie and gaga donna

all the kids ready for the "long" trip to the north pole

you can see santa waving at the train. he is right between the girls

santa passing out his sleigh bells

jj making sure that he can hear it ring! ;)