All Aboard!

It's the Polar Express!

Those Bitty Beavens just can't get enough of their Polar Express rides.  After going every year but one in AZ (the first year we went to Thailand, we were worried we would feel too jet lagged to go immediately upon our return.  A decision we regretted, but no tickets were still available), we decided we would give the NC version of the train ride a try.  We're super happy that the Ashlocks live in Western NC as they decided to join us.

We got to Bryson City a bit early, so we decided to park and check out the town.  When we pulled into the train depot's paid parking lot, the attendant took our $5 and was pointing us to a spot.  A co-worker came up to him, gave him a quick swat on the arm and said "DON'T take her money!  Give it back!" and was pointing at my windshield.  He then said that they support the military and don't ask for payment from members of the military.  Nice bonus!  Just wish the guy doing the sacrificing would have been here to enjoy it.

 We met up at a yummy Italian place right near the train station.

The manicotti was SOOO good!

After dinner, we walked back to our car to change into pj's and get ready for our train ride.

My mom sent the kids nice warm hats and scarves for Christmas.  I decided to let them have them early because I knew it was going to be cold in the Rockies.  We've been adding LOTS to our wardrobes since leaving Yuma.  ;)

Between dinner and the ride, we had a few minutes to check out some of the holiday decorations and get our picture done with Santa.

 Grandma and her boy.

These two were able to stop tickling each other just long enough for me to snap a photo.

Ryan ordered the manicotti too.

Italian food tends to settle on my backside.  Apparently Ryan collects his in his tummy.

Six very excited kids!

Abby had to go on an adult ticket this year, which ironically enough costs more and comes WITHOUT a golden ticket.  

The ambiance, decorations and general Christmas feel was definitely better at the Polar Express in Williams.  It was an EXPERIENCE, not just a train ride.  The Bryson City train, however, came through with the one thing we always thought was missing in AZ.  The cooks who work in your car were animated!  I don't know how they keep this level of excitement up all night long, day after day.  They were dancing down the aisle, spinning hot chocolates on trays and throwing cookies.

They even pulled the kids into the fun.

It was a perfect recipe for whipping kids into the Christmas version of an all out feeding frenzy.

The conductor came through to punch their tickets.

Madeline was kind enough to tell him that Abby didn't have one.

(This was very worrisome as the same thing happens in the movie.)

 Santa came through and gave all the kids a bell.

Of course, we big people couldn't hear them ringing.  ;)

 Santa had some fun teasing Marshall about whether he was going to give him a bell or not.

 He got one!  So did Lia!

 Pastor Ryan's "Manicotti"

Carmel was a Polar Express stowaway!

The evening was to be super cold and they were a bit worried that their little (maybe?) 2 pound doggie wouldn't handle the low temperatures that well.  He is from Thailand, after all!