All Aboard the Polar Express!

Tonight we took the kids and headed up Provo Canyon to Heber to ride on the Heber Valley Railroad. They have a train ride that brings to life the book and movie, "The Polar Express." We had so much fun with the kids. We arrived a little early to make sure we had enough time before our train ride started. Before boarding the train, we took advantage of taking a few family photos with all the of the trains that were on display around the railroad station. It was really neat to see all of the old Engines, box cars and passenger cars. One thing that I found really interesting was that the doors to the passenger cars weren't very tall. It was amazing to me to realize how short people were in the early pioneer days.

Mommy, Kaleb and Karmindy sitting on the train engine!

Daddy and the kids posing in front of the big engine!

Kaleb in front of a passenger car!

Daddy and the kids sitting on a bench at the train station.

Mom and the kids waiting to board the train!

Kaleb posing in the gift shop!

After taking pictures and passing a little time in the gift shop/station, we were allowed to board the train. While waiting in line, Mrs. Claus came up to Kaleb and visited with him for a few moments. It was so fun to watch his excitement grow after getting to visit with her. We let Kaleb hand our tickets to the conductor as we boarded and he thought he was such a big boy for being able to do so.

Kaleb with Mrs. Claus!

After boarding the train, several elves and a cowboy called the "reindeer rangler" passed out hot chocolate and some of Mrs. Claus' special chocolate chip cookies. They were delicious. While eating and drinking our hot chocolate and cookies the elves told jokes and the "reindeer rangler" read the "The Polar Express" story. It was really neat because the elves passed out individual books to all of the families so they could follow along and read the story together. After reading the Polar Express story together, we stopped at the North Pole and were able to see Santa waving to all the kids out side the passenger car.

Kaleb and the "reindeer rangler"! (He takes care of Santas Reindeer)

Kaleb looking out the window into the night!

Mom and Kaleb listening to the Polar Express Story!

Kaleb enjoying his hot cocoa!

Karmindy with her Daddy!

After seeing Santa out the side of the passenger car, we started back for the train station. While en route back to the train station, we sang Christmas carols together as a passenger car and then Santa came to each passenger car and took the time to visit with each family and take pictures. While visiting with each family, he had his elves pass out individual bells for each of the kids to take home so they could remember their experience on the Polar Express and not forget to believe in Santa!

Karmindy with Santa! She gave him the look over!

Kaleb with Santa! He was so excited to see him!

Kaleb with his Polar Express Bell!
If you can hear the bell ring you still believe in Santa!

It was really a sweet experience to watch not only our kids but all the other children get so excited and see the joy in their eyes! Our little family outing was a lot of fun and it helped us to get into the christmas spirit. We really enjoyed oursleves and can't wait to go next year!