Aidan and Emma with Mrs. Claus.
The kids playing in the Polar Room.
Daddy and Parker!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
On the train!!!
Eating their cookies.
Aidan anxiously awaiting his turn with Santa.
Emma with her bell...Santa gives every child a bell, just like in the story.
Exhausted baby. Within in seconds of the picture being taken, he was out for the count.
Old habits die hard. My New England upbringing came rushing back to me, as I scraped the snow off the car. I have had a few friends take their kids up to Williams, AZ to ride the Polar Express in years past. I was very excited that this year my kids were old enough to go (and hopefully remember the experience.) The only date left when I went to book my tickets just happened to be Aidan's birthday. I thought it couldn't be more perfect to celebrate Aidan and his special day, than by taking him to ride on a train. He is rather obsessed with them. We left Saturday morning the 28th at about 11:00 am, got to Williams around 3:30 pm, checked into our hotel, went to a restaurant, where we let the kids get their OWN meals (we typically have them share because it's a waste of money otherwise--no one ever finishes.) But, Aidan really, really wanted the spagetti and Emma really, really wanted the mac & cheese, so I gave in. And to my surprise they both finished every bite! After that we headed to the train station to get our tickets. We then spent the next hour walking around looking at the lights, browsing the gift shop, and playing in the Polar Room with Mrs. Claus, and writing our letters to Santa. It was a bit stressful at times trying to keep my eyes on all three kids at once (we didn't bring the stroller this trip) but the kids were well behaved, especially in the car, and that made it easier overall.
The train ride was AWESOME. We had hot chocolate and cookies, had the Polar Express story read to us, saw the lights and the houses of the "North Pole" out our windows, met Santa, and sang Christmas Carols. Aidan and Emma participated, listened, and were over the moon that they got to shake Santa's hand. After the train ride, we went back to the hotel and crashed. We got home Sunday around 3:00 pm and had naps and down time. I really, really loved the trip and want to make it a yearly tradition.
3 comments:
Such fun. My sister in law and bro in law took their kids there a couple of years ago. I know they had fun. I had never heard of it prior to then (and I am a native Arizonan). I just may have to look into that for a future date.
Fun! I'm glad it turned out well. Cambria is still terrified of Santa. How cool is it that it snowed for you?!
That looks like so much fun! I'm glad that Aidan and Emma enjoyed it, and thatte trip went smoothly. You look great in those photos! Miss you
Vicki
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