North Pole Express

This evening we took a ride on the North Pole Express at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. We've been very excited about this holiday event for a while now! Our friends, the Baxter's, joined us with their daughter, Emily. All of the kids wore their pajamas for the Polar Express train ride. Before we boarded, we played in the bounce house, ate some corn dogs and made ornaments. Our event kicked off with a live show of Christmas carols and dancing. At one point in the show, they asked for all the kids to get on stage to sing Jingle Bells. Well, Hudson ended up on center stage in the front row, and he waved his arms just like the conductor the whole time they sang. Of course, when everyone clapped at the end, Hudson (being the only one to do this) clapped proudly for himself! After the show, we boarded the train through a maze of Christmas trees with "snow" falling! It was very pretty and festive! On the train, we sang more Christmas carols, danced, listened to story time, and had a visit from SANTA! Hudson was in awe of Santa and watched him walk all the way down the center isle greeting people. Luke had fun the whole time and even danced and clapped to the music. The movement from the train ride, along with the caroling put him to sleep at the end. The whole event was very fun and a great way to kick off our Christmas season!! December will also bring a couple more Santa events for our family!

Hudson, Emily & Shawn bouncing around

Shawn & his baby girl
All the boys- Matthew, Luke, Shawn & Hudson
Making ornamentsHudson chose to make a Santa for himself and a penguin for Luke
Someone looks thrilled to be taking a picture with Mommy!
First, Hudson looking at the camera...Now, Luke looking...My three boysAttempt #1Attempt #2Ok, Hudson won... It's just Luke & me!Enjoying the show!
Hudson front and center stageIn the spotlight!Hudson conducting along The show... The conductor greeting us (with snow) to board the train
Our seatsClapping alongDancing The conductor taking our ticketsMore dancing...SANTA!Hudson in awe of SantaSomeone's sleepyThe conductor talking with HudsonAll the boys & Emily

All snuggled up to head back to the car The train depot and train