The Polar Express

This year for Christmas Nana and Papa gave us a trip to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus.  Nana and Papa told us about our special trip back in July and since then we've been looking forward to boarding that magical train and heading up a special place where jolly old St. Nicholas hangs his hat.

Finally, after months of watching the movie, checking the book out from the library on a continuous basis and telling the boys they need to be patient that today was not the day they get to visit Santa Claus, the time had come... on Friday morning when the boys woke up we finally got to tell them that they day they had been waiting for had finally arrived.

We headed up to Williams AZ where it was a perfect 36 degrees.  Okay it was really cold but if you are going to visit the North Pole, it can't be a balmy 75 degrees right?  Nana and Papa gave the kids, (Gabriel, Michael, and their cousins, Alex, Bennett and Julia) special pajamas they could wear on the train.  Then to make them look even more adorable than they already are, Nana and Papa got them special Elf hats with their names on them.  I'll let you judge for yourself but, I have to say they looked pretty darn cute. 

We waited patiently at the train station and when the train finally arrived everyone (adult kids too) were filled with excitement and joy as the staff greeted us warmly and welcomed us aboard.  After the train left the station we were able to enjoy hot chocolate and a tasty chocolate chip cookie.  Michael was sitting with me and insisted, after only have 1 bite of his cookie, that he needed to save the rest  for Santa Claus.  Even though I wanted to eat his along with my own, I obliged his request and we "saved" it for Santa.  As the train whisked through the darkness we felt like we were actually on our way to the north pole, as the story of the Polar Express was read aloud.  Then, before it seemed possible, the conductor announced over the speaker that the North Pole was straight ahead.

The boys looking out the window to watch for Santa's house

And then, within a minute Santa's village appeared with him standing in front of the sleigh full of reindeer. His toy shop and Mrs. Claus' candy shop. There was even a live elf reading off the names of the children on the good list. From the moment we boarded the train Gabriel and Michael's eyes were lit up and most of the ride Michael looked like this...

it was almost as if he was taking in so much he couldn't shut his mouth for fear he would miss absorbing all that was happening around him.  The kids peered out the window as we slowly passed the North Pole and then we received the announcement we were heading back home but before we left we got to pass by Santa's house one last time.  As the train slowly crept back to Santa's village, we noticed that Santa had disappeared.  The kids gasped for a moment and then we learned Santa had boarded the train.  To screams of excitement we waited patiently for Santa to come by our car. 

As we started chanting "Santa Santa Santa" he appeared minutes later. The boys were in a trance as he walked through the car and gave each of the kids a bell to remember their visit to see his home. It was a magical moment as I could feel just how much they believed in Santa Claus and that they were looking at the man who would hopefully bring them toys on Christmas Eve.  As tears came to my eyes, I could not help but think just how lucky and blessed I am this Christmas season.  These two boys have already brought us the best Christmas gift anyone could ask for.  Here they are enjoying their up close and personal moment with the one and only Santa Claus...

The entire way home and for the last few days the boys have been recounting just how lucky they are to have been able to go on the Polar Express.  Christmas is so enjoyable when viewed through the eyes of a child and going on the Polar Express was a wonderful way to start off this joyous Christmas season.  Thank you Nana and Papa for the trip we will remember forever.

Until next time,

Angie

I just couldn't resist adding this picture too... I wonder what he is thinking...