Polar Express

We went to Williams, AZ this past Friday to go to the North Pole! Natalie and Oliver went on their very first train rides!

We boarded at Williams (Grand Canyon Depot) and had a quick trip to the North Pole. The train was very old, which was cool, decorated with garland and Christmas lights all throughout. Each car (we were in the first car, which was neat!) had its own Elf and Chef, who served cookies (hard as a rock) and hot cocoa. They piped in a narration of the Polar Express, and the Elf walked the aisle with the book so the kids could see the pictures. As we approached the North Pole, we saw lots of lights - they had an area set up with one-dimensional lit buildings, to look like a Christmas village. Santa was on his sleigh (complete with realistic reindeer, an enormous bag of toys, Naughty/Nice list and another elf) waving to us as we came in. Then he boarded the train, and gave each child, including babies, a beautiful sleigh bell. Natalie was in awe! Oliver fell asleep on the way up (after having his nose plastered to the window for a bit!), but woke up when Santa arrived.

On the way back, we had a carol singalong, which was great until one family took over the mike. All four of them screamed Deck the Halls. And I do mean screamed.

The whole Depot area was really nice too - all lit up for Christmas. It was a wonderful trip, and one we are sure to repeat! OH! Before we boarded, I took Natalie up to the front of the train so she could see the engine car (I'm sure there's an official name, but whatever). The engineer rolled down his window and said hello! She was thrilled!

On the way home, we stopped at Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well, so you'll see those shots as well. We also stopped in Flagstaff so we could see Aunt Jamie's apartment, and go to lunch with her. Natalie loved seeing Jamie!

I'll get pictures up in a bit.