The Polar Express

Brandon decided for his family birthday this year, he wanted to go on the Polar Express for his big activity. We found room available on a train heading out at 11:30 am on December 11th. We snagged six tickets and waited for the day in great anticipation. We started the morning by giving each of the kids a new set of jammies. They were all so excited and loved getting into warm and cozy jammies for the trip especially since it was cold and rainy outside. We then headed up to Hood River, which is about an hour drive. The ride was going really well until we got to Troutdale, where Shaylee, who was in the very back kept saying she was hot, so we turned down the heat and had her take off her coat. Then she started making gagging noises and I asked her if she was going to throw up, she said yes. So, we switched her and Kenyon, so she was closer to the front of the van and then I gave her a plastic bag. She made it almost to Hood River before she threw up. Most of it made it into the bag, but some did get on her carseat. I was not excited about worrying about puking girl on the train, but at this point there was no turning back.

We boarded the train and excitedly found our seats. From the very beginning of the ride it is very exciting and interactive. They had the Hobo going up and down the aisles yelling funny things, and the cooks handing out Hot Cocoa and molasses cookies. Shaylee didn't drink the cocoa, but couldn't resist the cookies. She had been acting fine since we got out of the car and I figured we might as well let her enjoy the whole experience. They had music playing and the guy on the loudspeaker read us the Polar Express. The conductor came down the aisle and punched everyone's tickets. He was very interactive with the kids and was telling them about his "special snow" from his hole puncher. Then he says you know what happens with the special snow? And he dumps it all on my head! I had LOTS of paper circles in my hair that Shaylee so sweetly spent about ten minutes picking out.










Here he is explaining about his "special snow"


And then it all goes on mom's head



See, funny funny



Shaylee picking it out of mom's hair



The hobo



Then as we got further away from the station and closer to the North Pole the rain changed to snow and the ride became really magical. When we got to the North Pole we saw the buildings where all the toys are made and Santa's house and Santa and his elves waving at us. Then the conductor convinced Santa to come on the train! YEA! He visited each of the kids and Brandon gave him one of our candy cane oreos and he gave each of the kids a silver bell from his sleigh. On the way back to the station we sang Christmas carols and the conductor came and visited us again. It was so fun and the kids were so sad when it ended. Jaron said, "I stay on da twain!" I think that is how all of the kids felt.






Santa Clause even captivates an 8 and 10 year old





Santa Clause is giving the kids their bells




The kids with their bells from Santa










Writing on foggy windows is so much fun!






It was so worth the money and the kids just loved it. The people they have on the train do a great job and it was just so much fun.

Shaylee didn't threw up the rest of the day, so I think she just got carsick.