The Polar Express

A few weeks before going to Utah I decided that we needed to do a big family outing. So I searched things to do in Salt Lake because honestly, having been gone for so many years, you kind of forget. Anyhow, I came the Heber Creeper Train. I had totally forgotten that they turn it into the Polar Express at Christmas time. I've done it before & knew that Gavin would absolutely LOVE it! He is so into everything Santa, reindeer, snowmen, okay anything about Christmas, he loves. I tried having him watch the movie ahead of time to expose him to what the Polar Express even was. But I forgot how slow paced that movie is & he got pretty bored with it. But I think it got the job done anyhow, because he couldn't stop talking about how he got to ride on the train. What little boy wouldn't want to do that anyhow? 

Getting ready to board the train.

Aunt Whitney & Uncle Danny

Once we were on our way the elves made their way around to give the children name tags. It's funny that Gavin knew he had a name tag, but was in awe every time an elf knew his name. :) 

They passed out Mrs. Claus' chocolate chip cookies & hot cocoa for everyone to enjoy.

 

Mrs. Claus came around to visit & it was the perfect chance to thank her for her yummy cookies. At least that's what Gavin chose to say to her anyways. I love that as terrible as my Gavin can be, at least he remembers to always use his manners.

 

After that they had us start singing some Christmas carols. Gavin was ALL OVER that! He & Uncle Danny were singing at the top of their lungs too. I just love this picture. 

Liam liked it better than I thought he would. I thought the loud singing would make him cry, but he was just a boppin along to the music.

Doug's brother Dave & his friend (my family friend too) Kimmi & her nephew barely made it to the train before departure. Whew! We were so glad they made it on time.

As we approached the North Pole we were told to look out our windows & we would see Santa Claus himself. And sure enough we did. He was standing right by the North Pole sign waving to everyone on the train. It was pretty funny because once we passed him, Liam was just staring out the window trying to see where he had gone. Well turns out he actually jumped on board so he could see the kids & check to see whether they have been naughty or nice.

Gavin was a little squirmy next to Santa, but Santa just scooped him up into his arms & didn't give him a chance to back away. It worked too. Gavin was quite curious to all that white hair around his face, but he enjoyed talking to Santa & telling him that all he wanted for Christmas was a Pig Robot. (blast it all)

Liam on the other hand was 100% completely terrified of the big man in the red suit. It's so hard not to laugh at the fear spread across his chubby face. At least G'ma shows him some sympathy.

It was so fun & brought me a lot of joy seeing the Christmas spirit in my Gavin's face. These are the moments that being a parent is awesome! 

We were so happy that Doug's family joined in on the fun. I love doing big family things. It's these moments that turn into memories that last a lifetime.