This year we decided to drive to Lubbock, TX and ride the Polar Express to the North Pole (not as long of a trip as you would think, must have something to do with the time travel continuum)...anyway once we decided the dates that would work best, most tickets were sold out! We had been told to try and get the upper dome seats because they were better (had tables, better viewing, commemorative items included to take home, etc), a little more expensive but definitely worth it. In fact, I even purchased a ticket for Charlie (although not needed for under 2) because I was afraid if he didn't have a seat, and a mug, and a bell from Santa we would be in trouble (especially when brother would have all of those things)! We were lucky to be able to ride the train Tuesday night...
We didn't tell the boys where or what we were doing until about halfway to Lubbock. They knew only that we were going to a party...a pajama party apparently because they were in their pjs. Most of you know why we didn't tell them until we were halfway there...but for the record it was to keep our sanity!! There would have been too many questions about when and where and what...
Thankfully, Henry was content with getting his jammies on at 330 in the afternoon only questioning whether it was getting dark already?! Charlie wasn't sure about getting his on mostly because I had to wake him from a nap in order to get ready...but once he saw Bubba in his, everything was okay. Daddy took off work a little early and we were on our way...Christmas movies playing and boys content thinking we were headed to a party, a pj party, at Daddy's work, with bouncy castles (all of their, mostly Henry's ideas and we didn't deny or confirm any of them).
Once we told the boys, I don't think they quite understood...or maybe couldn't believe it. Henry started talking about which car we would all sit in like we were going to ride on a kiddie train and Charlie was way off with his requests for "Frosty the Noman" (He LOVES Frosty)! But once we arrived it became pretty clear what we were about to do and you could tell their excitement grew!
Apparently Tuesday night isn't the busiest time, which of course was great for us...although we were quite early...
The boys played in the car and got to see the train pull in and then had to wait patiently (ha!) for the time to pass until we would get in line (since no one else was standing in the cold we figured neither should we!)
Finally, it was time to board...
The engine...
The car we rode in...
We were maybe the third group in line and the first to board our car...so first pick on where to sit!!
Can you tell how excited the boys are? And we haven't even started moving!
It was so nice to do something as a family...Daddy will miss our next two Christmas parties so I know we all enjoyed being together for this...
Henry's reaction to the train starting to move...
Once the train started moving, the "chefs" put on a little show with the same music from the movie, when the serve the HOT CHOCOLATE... "HOT HOT HOT"...Charlie watched and clapped...
One of the chefs giving Henry a high five!
We were then served hot chocolate and cookies while the conductor came to punch our tickets...
Hey, who was that guy who did this to my ticket?
It was neat how the people really took on their character from the story. I don't think the boys really got that part but I thought it was neat. They also had the bum with his bell that didn't ring at the beginning because he didn't believe and once we arrived at the North Pole and he saw Santa he said he did believe and his bell did ring!
My pictures of the North Pole through the glass didn't turn out very well but I wanted to share anyway...
Waving to Santa and his elves...really excited now!
Watching to see what will happen next...
Santa and some of his elves boarded the train and rode back to Lubbock with us. We were able to talk to the elves while we waited for Santa...they made sure to ask the boys what they wanted for Christmas so when they got back to the workshop they would be sure to get to work on their requests...
Looking for Santa...
Hamming it up...
Of course right after I took this picture Charlie says CHEESE with a huge grin on his face!
Ready to talk to Santa...
As Henry could see Santa talking to the other kids he did get a little nervous but he really wanted to tell Santa (one more time so he wouldn't forget) what he wanted for Christmas! Santa handed each person a silver bell and as he came closer to us Henry noticed this...he asked "do you think Santa will give me a jingle bell?"...
Quick pic with Santa before...
Starting with his list which now includes not only a trumpet, a piano, and a bike but also a racetrack!
Yes he is smiling...
Telling Santa he would like a cash register!
Jingling their bells...
One last picture with the Conductor!
Enjoyed every minute of it!
Henry didn't want to leave and return home...of course! But we did and neither one of them fell asleep the entire trip home. We pulled into the driveway around 1030p maybe even later than that...we were all tired!
