The Polar Express

For years, I have heard people talk about taking their kids to ride on the Polar Express. Last year I wanted to take Bryson because he loved the movie. When I looked for tickets, they were sold out! That's when I found out that tickets go on sale during the summer and sell out almost immediately. I knew it was something I wanted to take Bryson to. I called my mom and asked if she would be interested in going with us. After talking with her and my brother, we thought it would be fun for it to be a whole family thing, then Bryson and Will could enjoy it together. Thankfully we were able to get the tickets before they sold out. About a week before we went, we started talking to Bryson about it. We watched the movie and talked to him about trains. During the month of December, we count down to Christmas by letting Bryson open one new book every night before bed. We thought that since we were going on December 1st, that we should have the first book be The Polar Express. I wanted him to open it before we went so thankfully Elfie was able to help us out. The night before, he flew home to the North Pole to get the book and brought it back for Bryson to open.

We read the book and he was so excited! We had to be there an hour before the train departed which was right at dinner time. While my mom went and got the tickets, the boys had fun playing with the train table inside. After we got the tickets, we grabbed a pizza and sat outside to eat before the train came.

After eating, we saw everybody getting in line. Even though our tickets were for a certain train, we still wanted to get good seats on our train, so we headed over to stand in line. It was so cold! You could tell that Bryson was not interested in standing in line. Thankfully it didn't take too long for the train to pull in. Bryson thought it was so loud but loved the decorations that were on the front of the train.

When it was time to board the train, the conductor punched everybody's ticket like in the movie. It wasn't a golden ticket and he didn't punch any cool designs, but Bryson still loved it.

Once everybody boarded and the train departed, Bryson was so excited. He loved looking out the window. Everything was decorated so cute on the way to the North Pole. When we got there Bryson loved it! He got to sit with Granna and Papa and look at all the pretty lights. The train stopped and we waited for Santa. While we were waiting, the elves boarded the train and visited with all the children. This was wonderful because I was so worried how to keep Bryson occupied while we waited for Santa. After a visit with the elves, then came Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bryson was so excited to see them. When Santa was taking pictures with other children Bryson kept waving and screaming "Hey Santa, Hey Santa. I'm Bryson!" It was so cute! I had heard that if you took a copy of your book that Santa would autograph it. Sadly they don't. Mrs. Claus said it had something to do with copyright issues, but he did sign Bryson's ticket which he was just as excited about.

After our visit with Santa, we enjoyed cookies and chocolate milk. We also got an ornament from the elves to remember our trip by. We had so much fun and we can't wait to go back next year!!!