We are going to the North Pole

And so we did. Sunday night we took the Polar Express train out of Palestine and rode to the North Pole. Zachary's excitement made the six hour round trip worth it.

When we arrived the train was already out on the tracks. I guess they had to back it up to make the grand entrance with all the steam and smoke like in the movie, so when they tooted the horn to back it up, Zachary exclaimed, "all aboard. We have to get on" with a sense of urgency. Mom got a great photo of him practically flying through the air to get in line. He could hardly contain himself.

We had to wait another 25 minutes before we could board. When he heard the train coming, he practically climbed my mom to see it. We boarded the train, and immediately were served hot cocoa and Rice Crispy Treats by the "dancing" servers. They were dressed according to the movie. While enjoying our treats, we saw deer running outside of the train. That was a highlight!

Then we heard the Polar Express story being re-told as we followed along in our books. And just as the sun set, we saw it in the distance. The North Pole. Santa and his elves were coming out of his workshop as we slowly rode passed. Zachary wanted to get off the train, but I told him he didn't have a ticket to get back on. So we watched and waited. Then the train lurched, and we began to head back. That is when Santa came into our train car. He handed Zachary a bell and asked him if he could hear it. Zachary was thrilled.

We then sang Christmas carols, and danced in the isles with the cocoa servers. As we rode back the Conductor came through and punched our ticket. Zachary said, "I need my ticket." He knew he had better get his punched. A wonderful evening was had by all.

As we drove home, Zachary finally drifted off with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head. Now we are counting the days until the 25th.