The Polar Express

Lee and I took the kids to Calera, AL last night to take a ride on the Polar Express.  The kids have been excited about this trip for weeks and it was well worth the wait.  Here they are getting ready to board the train in their matching PJs.

The conductor punched our tickets and we hopped on the train!  We rode on the Frisco Coach, which was built in 1910.  It was really old, but newly upholstered and decorated beautifully for Christmas.

with the conductor

a few family shots...

The ride started with a reading of the Polar Express.  We brought our own copy of the book so we could follow along.  Not long after we finished the book we ended up at the North Pole where Santa Claus and his elves came on board to greet us. 

The kids LOVED visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

While we were stopped they played Christmas music and we sang Christmas carols.  The kids even danced!

Finally the part the kids had all been waiting for....the cookies and chocolate milk!  Lee and I had to admit, those cookies were pretty yummy!

Before we all got off the train, we all received our silver bells....just like the boy in the book.

The kids loved every minute of their trip on the Polar Express. I'm so glad we were able to make it to the North Pole this Christmas!