All Aboard....The Polar Express

While we were visiting family in Oregon, we got to go on the "Polar Express". It was completely adorable and the kids loved it. It was a gift from Mimi and Grandpa and I would definitely pay to go again. So cute!

The train ride is based on the book/movie and I think they do a very good job with it. We even had to stop for "caribou" a couple of times. All the kids wore their Christmas pj's and they looked so cute.

 

Here is a picture of us outside our train car before we boarded.

Bailey and I on the Polar Express waiting to take off for the "North Pole"

Tanner was sooo excited. He loved getting to hold every one's tickets.

Seriously, look at the excitement in his eyes. Magical!

I love this picture of Chase and Tanner checking out their golden tickets. All the kids got special tickets for the conductor to punch.

And Bailey loved her golden ticket too.

Family picture in our train booth.

Before the chefs passed out hot chocolate, the "hobo" from the movie came around and talked to everyone. Luckily he wasn't nearly as creepy as the hobo on the movie.

 Then the conductor came around and punched all the kid's golden tickets. Bailey wasn't sure she wanted to give her ticket to him.

But then she saw he was punching cool letters in it and she was OK with it.

Tanner and the conductor after getting his ticket punched.

All 4 grand kids on the Polar Express

Then they served hot chocolate to everyone. Aren't those mugs awesome? And the hot chocolate was just the right temperature, the kids could actually drink it without scalding their mouths.

 

 

Our attempt at a family picture with our mugs. Lol. We struggle.

While we were enjoying our hot chocolate, the actual "Polar Express" book was read to us. Bailey decided she needed to sit with Grandpa during "story time"

Tanner was quite enthralled with the pictures.

Then we arrived at the "North Pole". See all the lights outside the window? The kids were so cute, they all crowded around the dome windows so they could see.

At the "North Pole", Santa boarded our train. He then made his way to each child to talk with them and give them a special silver bell (just like the story)

My kids love Santa. Seriously.
When Santa asked Tanner what he wanted for Christmas, Tanner very loudly announced "I want a Bumblebee" He was talking about the "Bumblebee Rescue Bot Transformer." but no one except Chris and I knew that. Lol  

And Tanner loved his bell

Bailey very happily told Santa that she wanted "a little Minnie Mouse" doll. It was pretty adorable.

She also was thrilled with her silver bell

Bailey basically adores Santa and was so sad when he had to leave our table. So sweet!

By the time Santa made it all the way through our train, we had arrived back at the train station.

We snapped a picture with Santa outside the train and then it was time to go.

 

So I would definitely say our first excursion on the "Polar Express" was a hit. The kids adored Santa and loved the train ride. Tanner still has his golden ticket and Bailey is patiently waiting for Santa to bring her a "little Minnie".

I love this time of year and the magic it brings.

Here's to a wonderful Christmas season!