Polar Express Train Ride

On Saturday we took the kids to Palestine for a traditional train ride with the Polar Express theme! We have had this planned for months and were so excited when the day finally came. We had several family members going from both sides. I think there were 18 of us total, we tried to all sit together but unfortunately we weren't able to but it didn't make the train ride any less exciting. There were so many exciting events going on. We were told to have the kids wear their Pj's to go along with the Polar Express theme and they loved it. While on the train we sang Christmas songs, we got hot chocolate and a treat. They read the Polar Express book on the train ride and then we arrived at the North Pole. We got to meet the train Conductor and of course Santa and a few of his elves! It was a wonderful magic time that went by way too quickly. I loved every minute of it, it was well worth the two hour drive each way and I hope that we can do it again next year!!

Brayden's train whistle (Thanks Uncle Kirk)

Eating before the train ride.

Texas State Railroad

Everyone being Holly Jolly!

Aunt Monky and Uncle Kirky

Cassidi, Aunt Titi and Terry

Popa and Nana Demers being silly!

Anxiously waiting for his ticket to be punched.

Checking out his letter, he got and L for Leader, imagine that!

Following along with the Polar Express story.

Arriving at the North Pole, not the best pics because of the glass.

Meeting Santa and receiving the first gift of Christmas, a bell from Santa's sleigh.

Elves

Dancing to the Christmas music.

Rudolph the red nose reindeer song.

Christmas Events

On Friday morning we took the kids Christmas shopping with us to get a few things for their cousins and while we were at the mall we decided to stop by and see Santa. We didn't have their pictures made, I just wanted to see how they would react to him. Peyton was a little scared at first but then Brent picked her up and she was okay. Brayden held my hand and we walked up to Santa and he gave him a high five as well as Peyton. Santa asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas and Brayden said a coloring book! I was very proud of them they didn't cry or shed a tear.

Friday evening we took the kids to look at Christmas lights in Grand Prairie called Prairie Lights. It's a two mile drive through with a halfway point where you stop and can ride a couple of rides and get food or see Santa. They also have a lighted forest where you can walk up close to all of the lights. The kids rode the carousel but we didn't wait in line to see Santa. It was a really neat experience! I completely forgot to take my camera so unfortunately I don't have pictures of it.

Here are a few pics we took of the kids that morning.