The Polar Express

 I am finally getting to post about our trip to Williams to ride the Polar Express.  It was a wonderfully, magical time.  The kids loved it.  We drove up on Friday afternoon and the temperature changed over 30' it was great.  The kids were so excited that they were going to get to stay at a hotel and ride a train to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.  We checked into the hotel, changed into our jammies and went to get on the train.  We were riding the 8:00pm train.  As soon as we got on the train the magic began.  The chef and elf served us hot chocolate and cookies then we had a read aloud of the book and soon we arrived at the North Pole and as we looked out the window, Santa was standing in his sleigh waving at us.  We had a breif stop so Santa could get on the train.  He visited through all the train cars and gave each child a bell.  While we were waiting we sang Christmas carols all the way back.  It was a delightful way to start the holiday season.  (BTW we went early because this trip books quick every year and when we went to book it this was the only weekend left.)  We stayed the night in the hotel which also thrilled the kids as they have been asking to stay in one since our trip to SD this summer.  We drove back home Saturday morning and dropped Anastasia off at her grandparents so she could then ride with them to San Diego.