The Polar Express

Waiting at the train station!

Liam jumping on the bed in his PJ's while we were getting ready to go!

Finally the moment came that Liam has been waiting for for months! He is obcessed with trains and going on this ride is his Christmas present from me. We had to get to the train depot an hour early to pick up our tickets, so we brought our lap top with us so that he could watch the Polar Express movie while he waited, lots of the other children joined in. It was so much fun waiting for the train to come, everyone was so happy and excited and most children and some adults were all in pajamas (Liam and Asher wore matching red and green ones!). There were lots of pretty Christmas lights and decorations as well.
At 8 p.m. the 1920's diesel train rolled into the station and we went to go find our car, "The Royal Palm". Each car was attendended by a host dressed just like in the book and movie. They passed out hot chocolate and cookies to everyone, and we all read along to the story book. We actually brought our copy with us which came in handy! Our host happened to be a retired librarian, so I think she really loves doing this because it gets th kids so excited about the book and reading. All the houses along the train route had decked thier houses out with lights so it was a very scenic trip even though it was night time. Our midway stop was in Dilsboro, NC and served as the "North Pole". This is where Santa got on the train. On the way back he went from car to car and visited with each child and gave them a bell. Liam is still pretty freaked out by Santa, but Asher thought he was great. The rest of the ride our host led us in a carol sing, which was suprisingly very fun because everyone was in such a good mood.
I think the Polar Express is definately going to become a family tradition, everyone loved it! Back at the hotel Liam even said, "Thanks for the Choo Choo train"...high praise indeed!