Christmas 2011, Installment 2, Polar Express

THE POLAR EXPRESS!!! Once in Durango, Audrey took a nap at the hotel. Finn figured out what was in the works when we walked around downtown and saw the train. Smart children, can't get anything by them! When Audrey awoke we told her and she practically exploded off her bed with excitement. We donned them in their jammies ( like all good Express Riders do...) and headed to dinner and a pub across the street.

Ready for Riding!

Once at the station, we had to wait for the train to chug its way in. The room vibrated with the energy from the crowd of children, all wearing jammies, all with blankets, all ready to be part of the magic. I think it was contagious, as many of the adults had childlike smiles painted on their faces, me included.

Waiting....

As the train arrived, we all went outside to see it pull into the station. Squeals of joy floated in the night air. Oh yes, this was going to be perfect.

Polar Express, Mommy!!!

Here it is, chugging in, even with elves!

Polar Express

We boarded our car, which was decorated with lights, presents and a gorgeous Christmas tree. Yep, we were happy. Happy kids, happy parents, happy Grammie.

James, Audrey, Finn and Maggie ready to ride.

I got to sit with my brother, a special treat. We don't get nearly enough time together. It was fun to do something new, something simple, something so full of happiness with him. No worries about taxes or trees falling on houses or DIY projects or what's for dinner. We still have fun together, just like we always have. :)

My brother, Travis and I loving the Express too!

Just as in the book, chefs in white hats delivered tasty hot chocolate to the tune "Hot Chocolate" from the movie. The upbeat jazzy number only added to the energy in the car. Cheers!

Mom and I, cheers!

Audrey enjoying her hot chocolate!
Golden Ticket, punched multiple times by the conductor.



A view of our car.

After our drinks and snacks of choc chip cookies were gone, the lights went out and we made it to the north pole. Santa came aboard and gave all the children silver bells (just as in the book). After turning around, we were all given carol books and Santa hats. Songs filled our car all the way back to Durango.

Experiencing something like this with my daughter was so full of joy. Rarely as parents, do we get a chance to truly enjoy, truly FEEL something this magical. Our brains are almost always churning way, even if its waaaay back in some dark corner of our minds. We're always thinking about how we're going to get our children to sleep, or when does laundry need done, or how we're out of milk at home. This night? There was nothing in my mind other than sheer enjoyment. Thanks to my mom, and thanks to Audrey.