All Aboard the Polar Express

Back in August, we learned the Polar Express was coming to Stillwater! I immediately thought of my nieces and nephews. Greg and Stacie were up for it, so we purchased our tickets and waited for Dec. 13 to get here.

They wanted it to be a surprise for the kids, so they waited until we pulled up to the train station to tell them what we were doing. It was pretty cold that night, so the wait seemed long, but eventually, we got to board the Polar Express! Henry and Ella weren't sure what to think at first, but it was fun to watch their excitement build each step of the way. They had a fabulous time. I knew they would. What surprised me about that night was how much fun Kyle had. He was in rare form that night, but it was great to see him having such a good time with the kids and entertaining us all.

It was so nice to have something fun like this right here in Stillwater. If it continues, I have a feeling we might be doing this a time or two next year. :) 

 At dinner, Henry still wasn't sure what we were about to do, but he was excited to have his PJ's on in public! 

 The excitement kicked up a notch when the train was in sight! We were in the car "Prancer."

 Someone's been visiting the gift shop! 

 The cold doesn't bother this little girl! 

 Choo, choo. Let's get this train started!

 Oh, the wonder of a child! 

 Ella was very interested in the storybook each time they brought it around. 

 Henry was ready for the North Pole, so he needed a little entertainment/torture from Uncle Kyle as a distraction. 

 Then it was finally time for the conductor to make the rounds. 

 He had some tickles for Ella. 

 Anticipating the North Pole, which was just around the corner. 

 It was all decorated in lights and Santa waved to us from his sleigh. 

 Then the big guy came for a visit! 

 Henry and Ella loved their bells. They could hear them jingle, so they must still believe!

 Kyle got one, too, of course, since he could have been mistaken for a child all night! 

 Henry and Ella were a little shy about dancing in the aisles, so Uncle Kyle had to go with them a few times to get them used to it.

 It didn't take them long to get the hang of it. Ella giggled up and down the aisle! 

 Papa's head was a little too big for the hat!