The North Pole Express

For the last few years, I have wanted to take the kids on a "Polar Express" train ride at Christmas time. They are at great ages for it and this year, we decided to do it. We had planned on taking the kids to Disneyland right after Thanksgiving, but decided we just didn't have enough money to do it, but told them that we'd do a couple of extra special things instead. A train ride to the North Pole was perfect!

My sister-in-law, Candy, was sweet enough to get us 4 free tickets from her work, so we only needed to buy 2. We drove up to Heber, Utah on the night of the ride. The kids wore their pajamas and loved riding on the train.

The train ride started and they gave all the kids a name tag and then a cookie with hot chocolate. The train made it's way down the track about 30 minutes, while someone told us about the train, told jokes, etc. Mrs. Claus rode in our car and was a cute, sweet Mrs. Claus. As we approached the "North Pole," they told the kids to look out the side of the car. Jon had taken Jack & Kate to the bathroom, but Emily, Lindsey & Hannah were able to see Santa (who was standing in the sage brush), waving as we approached.

We stopped at the North Pole, long enough for Santa to get on and for the train to move it's engine to the other end and pull us back. The kids got to talk to Santa and tell them what they wanted and then got a little wooden top from his bag. We sang Christmas songs on the way back and the kids had a great time.

The snow storm that was coming held off until later that night, so Jon was able to get to work for his overnight shift. We had a great, magical time! Thank you again Candy for the wonderful treat!