Polar Express, November 12th

I have been wanting to take our children up to the Polar Express for many years, so when Shellie suggested that we go together, we jumped at the chance.  We left about 11 AM and arrived at our hotel at 3 PM...just in time to check in.  We checked in, unloaded the bus, changed diapers and clothes, and headed out to Williams, stopping to grab burgers for lunch on the way up.  

Packed and ready to go!

We arrived at the train station in time to pick up our tickets and head to loading area M where we met up with the Pattons,

and watched as the train arrived. 

 waiting for the wheelchair lift to take Bryce and Annalise into the train

 Jacob, William, and Kyle

 Shellie, Ryan, Mark, and Braydon

I couldn't believe how long Annalise was entertained with this straw that had come with our lunch.  Every time I tried to take a picture, she would put it up by her eyes.

Annalise and Spencer waiting for the train to leave the station 

Shellie and Annalise.  Annalise loved the lights that where hung throughout the train. 

Bryce and John 

Bryce getting Daddy's nose.  He looks pretty happy with himself, doesn't he?

Annalise telling Spencer to go away.  Such a sweet girl ;) 

Annalise also found that the napkins very fun to play with.  I'm so glad she is easily entertained.  

 Annalise loved the bells that the cooks wore around their necks.  

We all got hot chocolate and a special cookie make by Mrs. Clause that very day. 

Then we heard the story of The Polar Express.  The cooks would walk back and forth through the train and show the kids the pictures.  Most weren't really interested, but Bryce loved it every time they showed him the pictures.

Then we arrived at the North pole.  We stayed on the train, but saw the village all lit up including a sleigh with Santa and the elf Bernard.

This was one of Bryce's favorite parts.  As we headed back to the station, the cooks walked through singing Christmas songs with everyone.  Bryce's favorite was Deck the Halls.  He loved the Fa la la la la part!

Santa then came through with a gift (a Christmas bell) for each of the children. 

William receiving his bell 

Jacob and Spencer with their bells 

Bryce wasn't so sure about the bell.  Unfortunately things like bells, small balls, balloons, etc make him gag.  He did pretty well though and was excited about seeing Santa. 

 Annalise loved her bell.  She somehow ended up with two!  She played with them for a while and then decided it was more fun to throw them like a ball.

After the train ride we went back to Flagstaff and John, William, Jacob, and Spencer went to Sizzler with Mark and their boys while I put Annalise and Bryce down to bed.  When the boys returned, Shellie and I headed over to Coco's for some pie and "girl time".  We were probably out later then we should have been, but it sure was fun catching up with her without any interruptions.  I wish we lived closer.

This morning, the boys were up bright and early wanting to go out to see the snow.  Unfortunately all we got while we were there was a little rain.  There was some snow on the ground and they played in that just long enough to lose one of Jacob's bay blades in it.  When the indoor pool opened, at 7AM, John and the older boys went down for a morning swim.  While they were gone I got Bryce fed and he and Annalise dressed.  Then we all headed out to Coco's for Breakfast.

"One of these things is not like the others"  Yes, between our families there are 7 boys, with another one on the way, and only one little girl!  Bryce did pretty well in the restaurant until the batteries ran out on his aug com device.  Then John walked around the restaurant with him.

It was so fun to spend time with the Pattons and the Polar Express was great.  It was a quick trip, but luckily we made it without any major issues.  The trip home was wonderful.  As John drove, the rest of us slept!  It made for a nice trip!