Polar Express Photos

Finally got the Polar Express photos up.

Here's the best one.

Here are the rest.

The Polar Express

Last night was our annual trip on the Polar Express!

If you're not familiar with this really fun activity, it takes place at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera. You board the train (we were on the Long Island Express car) which has been decorated with garland and lights, looking very festive. Like the children in the story, kids wear their pajamas for the trip. Once everyone has boarded, the train starts the journey to "The North Pole." Over the PA system, Jim Aycock (so glad he did it again this year) read the book The Polar Express and many people brought their personal copy to read along and for Santa to "autograph."

Once the story was over, Jim sang Christmas carols and you can sit and enjoy the relaxing movement of the train as it makes it way down the line - about a 15 or 20 minute trip. Meanwhile, two elves already on the train passed out bells, the "first gift of Christmas," for everyone.

And then we arrived!

Oh, you've never seen or heard so many children go bananas before in your life! The train pulled up to "The North Pole," a very decorated warehouse type building, where Santa, Mrs. Claus and a couple of elves stood outside waiting for us. Santa and his entourage boarded the train and the excitement could light up the entire state of Alabama for a week! This year, he happened to visit our car fist (wheee!). And if you thought the kids were bananas before, now it's like a feeding frenzy! I wouldn't be surprised if a few wet their pants, hehe.

Sarah looked at me when she saw that Santa was on board and said, "I think he got my letter!" Christopher kept jumping on his seat squealing "Santa! It's Santa, Mommy! Look Daddy! It's Santa!" I don't think he really gets the idea of Santa yet, but he knows who he is/recognizes him. When the jolly fat man reached our seat, he plopped Cloosty up on top of the seat while Sarah stood on the seat for a picture. Sarah was all grins while Cloosty scruntched up his face in a panicked wail. It was quite the picture! But once Sarah got a second hug from Santa and he moved on, Christopher was cool but looking a little lost. I think he wanted to give Santa a hug, too, but wasn't sure he should.

Soon, cookies and chocolate milk were given out and Santa et al. deaparted once they made their rounds. The train pulled forward a little and Christopher looked out the window at them. And totally out of the blue he said, "I love you Santa Claus."

!!!!!

That was so CUTE! And so impromptu! I wish I had had a video camera to film that exact moment! I wanted to cry.

We pulled away from "The North Pole," waving at Santa, etc. Another elf passed out little Santa bags filled with candy, a special gift from Santa she said. We sang more carols as we made our way "back to Alabama." Both kids snuggled up with me, soothed by the gentle rocking of the train. It was peaceful and lovely. This, I think, is my favorite part of Christmas - quiet moments like this with my family. Pete and I smiled at each other, knowing what each other is thinking and feeling the love.


Pictures to come. :)