The Polar Express

The day started rough, I was sick. We finished our time at the cabin, loaded up, and headed to Williams, AZ. It took about 3 hours to get there. We pulled in, parked, and changed into pjs to see Santa!

After potty breaks, we went to look at the old trains around the station, and even saw hobo Joe. We made our way down the platform to the front of the train where we were to board. I love how Benton and Emmie held hands and walked together. It melted my heart. They are best buddies.

We watched the previous passengers unload and anxiously waited our turn. The kids enjoyed seeing the chefs prepare for our turn. I was blessed to feel better after much prayer, so that I could enjoy the experience.

The inside of the train was really neat, old, and nostalgic. We sat across the aisles from each other as we waited for everyone to board.

After caroling, drinking hot cocoa, eating cookies, and listening to "The Polar Express" read aloud, we arrived after the North Pole! Oh, we also went through a magic time tunnel. The houses were lit and there were many decorations. At the end were Santa and Mrs. Claus. The kids were thrilled! As we headed back past Santa, he was gone! He boarded the train and made his way through the cars to hand out bells and wish us all a Merry Christmas.

These shy cuties were excited to see Santa and tell him what they wanted. The were also pretty thrilled that they could hear the jingle of their bells.

These two cuties loved the cocoa and cookies. They are my little sweet cheeks sweets lovers.

We sang more carols on the way home. I loved seeing Benton and Emmie belt it out. We spent the night at the Gilbert's cabin in Parks and dreamed of sugar plums. It was a really fun experience to have with the kids. A great start to the Christmas season, followed by the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Sunday.