Polar Express

It is one of our family traditions to go to the Polar Express in Williams, AZ every year.

While we are there we stay at the local resort (Holiday Inn) so we can swim in the heated pool and sit in the hot tub.

And eat at the finest restaurants (Pine Country Diner).

We dawn our warmest clothes that include scarfs, hats and gloves and wait for the train to arrive.

We go to see Santa to tell him the things that we would have wanted if we were good this year.

This year it sounded like this....

Derek said, "Fresh Park skate ramps."

Jake said, "A choo choo train and a choo choo train track."

Carsen said, "A big gun, so I can go hunting with my dad!" (Shotgun shooting actions included)

Anthony said, "I guess I'll have to take up hunting this year?"

Richelle just shook her head and smiled. {Really? this is my life?} Smiled again. Yep!

Once on the train we have cocoa and cookies and listen to the story of the polar express.

We ride the train all the way to the North Pole, Santa gets on the train to give each child the "first gift of Christmas" which is of course a shiny silver bell.

On the way back to the train station we sing Christmas Carols and listen to the constant ringing of hundreds of little bells. (ahhh)

Christmas is already here. Wow! Let the season begin.