We had so much fun on the Polar Express this year! Last year there was snow the week before, but it had melted by the time we got there. This time, there was still plenty on the ground and it really made it feel like Christmas! We stayed in the hotel that is associated with the railway and they really go out of their way to decorate it for Christmas... right down to the decorated banister that leads to the lobby. You can just imagine waking up there on Christmas morning, running down that staircase to open your gifts in front of the beautiful ceiling height tree with the wood burning fireplace roaring. Of course, everything is done in your pj's, so that lends itself to feeling right at home. Included in the package was a buffet style dinner and breakfast the next morning. The food was delicious! When the waiter came around to show us the desert list, I had to have a piece of pecan pie even though I felt like my buttons were going to pop already. Unfortunately, breakfast was just as good. ;)
After we ate, we found some fun activities to explore. We started with finding Santa and telling him what we would like for Christmas. Of course ONE child had to tell him that the only thing HE wanted was something that I hadn't bought... So much for early shopping, huh?
Then we visited with Mrs. Claus and wrote out a letter for Santa's special mailbox. (shh... I raided the box to get our letters back) They also had a few craft tables set up for the kids to make ornaments or color pictures. Marshall and Amelia both found the wooden train tables too tempting.
About twenty minutes before our boarding time, we headed outside to wait for our train. Brrrr... It was cold! We did some dancing in our spots trying to keep warm. Lots of bright red cheeks and noses. The chef who was in charge of our car tried to joke with us before letting us on board but I think he quickly (and accurately) realized that there was going to be a mutiny if he didn't let us on immediately!
Starting to warm up...
During the ride, they read us the story of the Polar Express and handed out treats, just like the movie! Cookies!
and hot chocolate!
We were so excited to get to the North Pole! After a brief stop, we started back up again, but quickly discovered a new passenger on board. Santa!!!
He gave each child a bell just like the movie. If you haven't seen it, the movie says that you can only hear the bell ring if you believe...
Marshall is giving it a try!
Marshall is giving it a try!
When we got off the train, it was only 17 degrees outside and we were fr-fr-frozen! We made a mad dash for the lobby where we sat by the fire to warm a bit, then headed upstairs to bed. What a great way to spend an evening! 
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