North Pole Express

 

On Friday, we had our ward Christmas party. Ellie mostly enjoyed it because she got to hang out with her best friend Sarah Fedor. Miles got to be in charge of the craft (painting wooden snowflakes), and Ian got to hang out with Dale.

Today we got to go to the long-awaited North Pole Express. This awesome train ride and three-course meal takes place in Bardstown, KY, and is so sought after that it sells out within 24 hours of opening. We did not get tickets initially, but then found out earlier this week that we got wait-listed in. Liam's expression when Santa came in made it all worthwhile. His ear-to-ear grin as he announced, "That's the REAL Santa," was a thing of beauty. He also really enjoyed that the conductor came down and hole punched everybody's ticket just like in the movie, The Polar Express. 

Santa took photos with everybody assuring them that if you got a picture with Santa that meant you were on the "good" list. 

I told Santa I was ALWAYS good. 

Matt only told him he hoped he was. 

Our three-course meal included very posh salads, spaghetti or chicken florentine, and a chocolate mousse cake. 

We also got the kids very special chocolate trains. They had seen our news from our anniversary and were very jealous. Ian explained that the chocolate train was the reason he came. We also all got hot chocolate. 

After the train ride and meal, we went back to the depot so the kids could use the restroom, peruse the gift shop, and sit on Santa's knee if they wished. 

Liam explained that he already sent a letter to Santa and did not need to sit on his lap. Ellie wasn't keen to sit on Santa's lap, but she would get a sleigh bell if she did. She warmed up to Santa very quickly when he asked what she wanted. She told him "a bunny"....his response was "if you get two, pretty soon you'll have six. You should ask for two". She was all grins after that. At the gift shop, Liam was desperate for a hat, and Ellie really wanted a pocket watch, but we explained that, this close to Christmas, we really couldn't buy any extra presents. 

The North Pole Express was amazing and totally worth experiencing once. But then again, anytime Liam gives me that heartfelt grin of joy... it's always worth it.