The Polar Express













Early in December we went to Williams and rode the Polar Express with Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Bill. The whole day was an adventure: we realized too late that the DVD player didn't work. As we got closer to Flagstaff and temps dropped, we realized our heater was broken; at a gas station someone told us that the freeway we were taking was closed ahead because of snow. We had to backtrack and take back roads. At a small town I googled a mechanic and he fixed our heater. It was 12 degrees and I was freezing! Originally our plan was to find a place to go sledding before the train ride, but a 3 1/2 hour trip turned into an 8 hour trip. Luckily we made it to the train station with a half hour to spare. The experience was worth the trouble. On the way to the North Pole we listened to the story of the Polar Express. We loved the hot chocolate and ginormous cookies. We got to see Santa and his elf out the window at the North Pole. Santa then came aboard and gave all the kids a little bell. My boys were mesmerized by him. The ride was about an hour and a half. When we got off the train the sun was already setting so we raced to find a spot to go sledding before it got ridiculously cold. Remember, our winters boast a low of 30 degrees, sometimes. We sledded for maybe 20 minutes before the kids and I called it quits.

I learned a lot from this trip. We make plans and prepare for our adventures, but sometimes things don't go as planned. We have detours and delays, disappointments and unexpected trials. We can get stressed and throw in the towel or we can adjust and be thankful for the happy, positive people we have around us. We will never forget that wonderful trip together.

Comments

Marlene said…
Lots of beautiful smiling faces in you pictures for such a long day! Glad you still made it for the train ride! :)
January 28, 2012 at 10:30 PM
The Brothers Family said…
That looks cold and fun and like a wonderful family adventure! I'm so glad you made it there (and back) safely!
January 29, 2012 at 7:27 AM
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