The Polar Express...

For the past few months Lily has developed a slight obsession with trains. So it was only fitting that one of her birthday presents was tickets on the Polar Express. To get her ready we started reading the book every night at bedtime and watching the movie. When we told her that we were going to go ride the Polar Express, Lily couldn't stop talking about it. She was so excited to ride on a real train and to meet Santa. The entire drive up Provo Canyon she was straining to look out the window trying to see where the train was. We arrived at the train station an entire hour before the train was supposed to leave and it was nice to have so much time for Lily to check out the train before we got on.
Todd and Lily had to wander around by themselves for a while because I was in the bathroom dealing with Owen's messy diaper blow out. I am so glad that he decided to have his accident before we got on the train!
The train was decorated with Christmas garland and lights. It really looked like the Polar Express. Before we left the station, little elves came around to talk to all of the kids and ask them what they wanted for Christmas. Lily told them she wanted a doll. We told them Owen wanted clothes (I'm not sure if that is what he really wants for Christmas, but that is what he is getting!). When the train started moving we passed snow covered fields, icy rivers, and even a few deer. It was really picturesque!

Mrs Claus was our first visitor. She brought around chocolate chip cookies and the elves passed out hot chocolate. Lily loved the cookies, but hated the hot chocolate. Todd liked the hot chocolate and hated the cookies, so it all worked out!
Isn't this guy the most perfect conductor?
During our ride, we sang Christmas carols and read the Polar Express. I loved that they handed out individual books for everyone so the kids could see the pictures.

Since we were the in the second to last car, it took a little while for Santa to come. When he finally did, Lily watched him with fascination. She was really excited until he came to sit down by us. Then she wanted nothing to do with him. I was really glad that he knew that she was scared and kept his distance. She did like the little silver bell that he gave her. All the way home she was shaking the bell. It was a fun night and a great way to get into the holiday spirit this year!