Our marathon Road Trip (Part 2)

So we were at the Grand Canyon until sunset but that was not the end of our day. We stopped for dinner where we received a local discount (weird story) then headed back to Williams for the next adventure on our trip.

~The kids have loved the movie "The Polar Express" since its debut.



They have the book which they have read over and over. And last year they received bells from Santa under the tree. They have been asking us if they could watch for the Polar Express to go by our house on Christmas Eve....~

We pulled into the parking lot of the Grand Canyon Railroad Station. There were lights everywhere and the wind was blowing like crazy! We told the kids that we were there to see one of Aunt Alexis' friends and they needed to change into their pajamas so they'd be ready to go when we were done.

We walked into the station and Allen started asking questions. He kept saying "This looks like the Polar Express" We kept playing it down, building up his excitement. The time for departure we coming closer, so we went to stand out on our designated platform. Allen and now Wesley knew something was going on. (Ashley and Madison kept asking where Alexis' friend was!)

Then the moment came the train was pulling into the station! Allen and Wesley's faces were just beaming, and as the cars began to pull in front of us they read the sign on the side. I was almost crying I was smiling so hard! The conductor asked for our tickets and then let us on the train! There were lights and music playing in the background. When the train pulled away from the station, elves and chefs served us cookies and hot chocolate. We went through a time warp tunnel so that we could get to the North Pole faster. Then, the story was read to us as the pictures were each displayed(we are going to make sure and bring our copy of the book to follow along next time). Before we new it, we were slowing down...the lights were dimmed inside the car so we could more easily see what was going on outside. That's when we saw him- Santa Claus was waiting for us. He was there with his elf and we chanted his name so we made sure he knew we wanted him on the train with us! When we pulled away from the North Pole Santa was gone from his place outside, so we knew he was somewhere on the train with us. The kids were beside themselves. As we waited for Santa to get to our car we began to sing Christmas carols. We each received a book of carols and the kids competed with the adults(did I mention there were more adults than children in our car?) to see who could sing the loudest! (There are a surprising number of tone deaf people in the world! -j/k) Before we knew it, the kids had spotted someone wearing a red coat just outside the doors to the car. They were giddy with excitement, and I was having a blast just watching their reactions to each new element. We were at the back of the car so the kids were able to watch Santa and let their excitement build and grow! Ashley was practically vibrating in place she was chanting "It's Santa, its really him!"
When he finally got to the back of the car the kids just stared! He handed them each a bell from his reindeer's sleigh and wished them a Merry Christmas.
That was one of those moments that I will cherish. They were all happy at the same time and just loving every moment. Drinking in every sensory experience.
After Santa left our train car, we sang a few more Christmas carols. Then it was time to go back through the time warp tunnel, and a few minutes later we were back at the station.
It was getting late and I could tell the kids were tired, but they were so happy!
Side note: Madison is still asking were Aunt Alexis' friend is-I think we confused her a little.
Stay tuned for more-because there is so much more!(and I have so many pictures-they're coming I promise.)

The Polar Express™
Experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. 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. Make this a family holiday tradition. Call today to make your reservations because space is limited to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas!(http://www.thetrain.com/polarexpress/)