The Polar Express

Last Friday night we boarded the Polar Express! 

I think the kids were excited to ride to the North Pole and see Santa!!

A little backstory for you before I begin this post - When I taught 4th grade we took the Polar Express on a field trip and I thought it was awful. It might have been because I was trapped on a train with 40 fourth graders and they were so loud we couldn't hear the story. When Jennifer told me we were going on this Polar Express trip I shared my experience with her. I was worried. She told me that she thought this time would be better. Plus it was with some of my favorite people so I had high hopes for this trip!

Since it was Black Colorful Friday and I work retail I couldn't make it to the train ride until right before we boarded but they had some fun activities for the kids to do before and after. The kids got to write letters to Santa and roast marshmallows.

We had to walk a long way to get to our boarding spot. We heard that the train would be arriving in less than 5 minutes so we put the kids on our shoulders so they could watch the Polar Express arrive. They were so excited and just so happy! So far so good. 

We boarded the train and found our seats. I really wanted to get a picture of me and the girls for my Christmas card. Hadley's eyes were closed in every picture. oh well.

It was time to leave the station and make our way to the North Pole! 

Hadley watching us leave the station!

The conductor came around and punched our golden tickets. Myles was having the best time. 

Hadley and Harper are clearly so excited about the golden ticket. 

It was time for hot chocolate. The "chefs" danced down the aisle and handed out the hot chocolate and cookies. 

Myles and Kim loving their hot chocolate.

Harper enjoyed her hot chocolate too.

Every picture I took was blurry. I guess it was the motion of the train.

Finally we reached the North Pole! And guess who got on our train? Good ole St Nick! 

Really - this is the best picture I got! Ha! 

But these kids got a great picture! 

Santa left the train and this happened...

The girls were out! 

I think I had a picture of how I thought this trip should be in my mind and it did not happen the way I had pictured it. I don't think it was as bad as my field trip but I still did not think it was fabulous. 

I am not sure that the Polar Express is worth the money. I asked Jennifer if the girls had said anything about it and she said nope.  But Myles, LouAnn, and Granny Janet all seemed to enjoy the trip! 

This is only my opinion and I know that lots of families go on the Polar Express and love it. I am just not one of those people.  I did love being with my friends! I enjoy anytime I can spend with them. Not all memories and activities have to be perfect. They are our memories and I am happy to have had the chance to experience this with my sweet friends! 

On Thanksgiving Day I read the Polar Express book to Harper. We just snuggled in a big chair at the cabin and enjoyed the book together.  I know I will treasure that Polar Express memory! 

Thanks for reading! And if you are planning a trip to ride the Polar Express, I hope you have a better time than me!

xoxo