Polar Express

Last weekend we went for a ride on the Polar Express! It's actually called the North Pole Express (I think copy right reasons) but we called it Polar Express with the kids. They love the book and movie so they were very excited to be riding the "actual" train. We went all out and rode first class. This was another item on our things to do before moving list. We are so glad we did and the kids had a blast!

Of course they wore their pajamas and robes for the train ride. They were so excited to be at the train station!

Carter thought it was so cool to hold his own ticket and hand it to the conductor to get punched

Family pic on the train before pulling away from the station
Once on board the kids got glow sticks and the adults got menus. Once we started heading toward the North Pole they turned out the lights. Carter and Audrey had a lot of fun waving the glow sticks in the dark. We also listened to a story and sang Christmas carols.

Audrey glued to the window during our arrival at the North Pole. They had the North Pole all decorated with lights. Santa & Mrs. Claus along with their elves were in the middle waving and welcoming us.

The elves came on board first to greet us and get us excited for Santa. They passed out keys to everyone (related to the story) and were super sweet with the kids.

The best part according to Carter :) Santa and Mrs. Claus!!! They were so nice and Carter just loved it! Audrey was apprehensive but managed to get close for the picture.

After Santa left, the chefs came on board. We got to snack on delicious double chocolate chunk and apple cinnamon pecan muffins.

We washed down the muffins with hot cocoa served in travel mugs we got to keep. They have the North Pole Express logo on them.
Before heading back to the station the elves came back to hand out presents. A real nice North Pole Express ornament. The kiddos were excited to get home and hang them on their trees.

We were lucky to get to ride with friends. The Graham family rode with us and our seats were together. The kiddos always have a good time with Noah. They were quite entertaining on the way back to the station on their sugar highs.

One more family pic in front of the train car.

The kids had an amazing time and truly thought it was magical. On the drive home Carter asked if we were back in Alabama yet. I think he thought we really went to the North Pole :) So precious!