The Polar Express

We had a great Thanksgiving with Dana & Wes. This was our first official holiday here in Arizona. Fortunately we have family here to share such events with. I'm a stickler for not celebrating or even decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving is over, but since it is officially the Christmas season now, we headed out yesterday to see the Man in Red himself. Off we went north to Williams, Arizona to ride the Polar Express to the 'North Pole.' Here's a few pics.....

"Look mom, we can sit together and not fight!!"

Did I mention that it had been snowing up in the mountains? Well it had been, and it was cold!!

Some of the lights at the 'North Pole'

Here's our funny little chef....they brought us hot chocolate (yum!) and chocolate chip cookies on the Polar Express!

Noah was all hopped up on chocolate (thanks to the chefs) and ready to sing some Christmas carols

A Christmas bell from the Man himself.....let me assure you, there was no shortage of bell ringing going on in the room last night. He had three bells between him and the girls. Anyone know how to take the 'ring' out of those bells?? I need sleep...zzzzzzz

Yummy cookies!!

waiting with Sydney to get on the train.

My beautiful babies actually posing for me by the Christmas tree at the lodge. Gotta love Noah's goofball expression. I'm sure there are many more years of those to come :)

By the way, for those of you who know Noah....guess what he told Santa he wanted for Christmas??? You guessed it, a COMBINE. I guess Santa's going to have to comply. He's been asking for one for about 6 months now.

Here's hoping you guys all have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas season. Remember germs are everywhere so wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! (and sneeze into your sleeve :)

Let's not forget the reason for the season.....

Love,
K

Kicking off the Christmas season.....by rail!

This year we're going to try something a little different. Instead of kicking off the Christmas season by torturing ourselves with the annual Black Friday shopping trip, we're going to try this the Sunday after Thanksgiving:

We're taking a train ride.....to the 'North Pole' (actually the Grand Canyon). Upon arrival to the 'North Pole' this guy will board the train....

Here's what the website says, "The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Williams Depot for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the magical story. Watch the joy on the children's faces when the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting! Santa will board The Polar Express and hand each child their own special gift. "

Then we'll take the train back here to spend the night:

The kids all get to wear their Christmas pj's on the train, so now we're on a hunt for cute Christmas pj's for everyone. I'll be sure to take my camera so I can update everyone with pictures after the trip. Noah is so excited!! I guess I'd better hurry out and get the 'Polar Express' movie so Noah can watch it before the trip....time's running out :)

If any of you are interested, here's the website: www.thetrain.com/polar-express