All Aboard the Polar Express: The 2012 Experience

Every year, we take the kids to the Sacramento Railroad Museum for their Polar Express train ride. It's a great treat for the kids to ride a real steam engine train and to get us all in the spirit of the holiday. This year, the kids decided to don their pajamas as they do in the book. It was pretty stinkin' adorable. As they do every year, the staff on the train provides hot chocolate, a yummy cookie, and lots of Christmas cheer. They also read the story to the kids and several characters from the book join the festivities on board the train.

This year, the hobo made an impact on Sam. As he was walking through the train, he looked straight at Sam and said, "Do you believe?" Sam replied with an enthusiastic "yes" but as soon as he went away, you could see Sam's wheels spinning. When we got in the car, Sam made lots of comments about the Hobo and the fact that he didn't believe. I think our little budding scientist is putting it together. Regardless, Brad and I have decided to always answer with "We believe" and we're sticking to it!

I have lots of favorite moments from the day such as when the kids first see Santa Claus, when they get their "magic" bell, or when we're all singing Christmas carols. My favorite, however, was when Sam, upon seeing Santa Claus at the North Pole yelled through his window, " Hey Santa! It's me Sam! We have one of your elves, Chippie, at our house!!! He's gonna come talk to you later about presents, ok!!!"

Awesome!!!

This was when Sam gave Santa the 411 about Chippie, our elf on the shelf: