Polar Express!

The Polar Express was a much-anticipated trip! My sister Lisa and her family were planning on celebrating Christmas with us, so we thought it would be so much fun to have the Blaylock family join us--and it was! We (Elisa in particular) were so excited to join up with them at the Polar Express platform, in Williams, AZ.  It took us almost two hours to get there, and it took Lisa and her family much longer, but it worked out well because Williams was on their way to our house, so it sorta broke up a long trip for them, I guess.
The Polar Express ride was so much fun! The kids wore their pajamas, as is customary. I think Aaliyah and Elisa enjoyed it the most.  The two little guys (Ian and Aiden) enjoyed it, but they were tired by the end (also I think Ian was starting to come down with something). Gabe liked the ride, but wasn't very forthcoming about it.  I liked the train ride, up until the part where they forced me to sing Christmas songs on the way back.  I know, I'm a scrooge when it comes to singing carols.  Well, when it comes to me singing.  I don't mind when others sing.  As promised, were served hot chocolate and a cookie.  Ian spilled his all over the floor, of course. Elisa and Aaliyah loved singing and dancing! Santa even came around on the way back, and gave us all a bell.  We were home by 11, and tired.  I hope we can go again next year!

Elisa as a Polar Express conductor!

Gabe in front of a train.

First, we took some pictures together on the platform.  It was hard to get all the kids looking at the camera at the same time.

My favorite.  Just missing Calvin but we didn't trust him sitting that high without support from an adult!

Lisa, Eric, and all the kids.

Me, Erik, and all the kids.

We boarded the train and all squished in a row. The conductor was fun and the story of The Polar Express was read and she walked around with the biggest book ever, showing the kids the pictures in the story.

Oh these adorable boys! They are so cute together.

Gabe had a good time, even if he'll never admit it.  The pictures tell it all!

Enjoying hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies!

Santa! He looked pretty legit, in my opinion.

Singing time! I got called out because I wasn't singing, no surprise there. Elisa and Aaliyah loved singing time!  Their aisle-dancing is testament to that. 

And, some random pictures of Erik and Ian.  I think Ian looks a lot like his daddy!