Christmas in Texas Part 3: The Polar Express

My favorite Christmas memory from 2011 is a toss-up between the Polar Express train ride and seeing Alex's expression Christmas morning when he discovered what Santa had brought to him. It would be hard to choose - both were pretty darn amazing.

When Jerry and I decided we were going home for the holidays, I knew the Polar Express train ride was one of the things I wanted the boys to experience. We talked about it last year, but we thought Alex was too young to appreciate it. This year was fantastic for him, and I know it will be even better for him and Roo in the next couple of years.

The whole event was so well done. So many little touches that made you feel like you were stepping into the movie. It really was quite magical.

When we pulled up to the Palestine Depot, you could feel the excitement in the air. The train station was covered in Christmas lights, the Polar Express soundtrack was blaring over the speakers, and children were wearing their Christmas pjs and scurrying around with the most gleeful grins you've ever seen.

The weather was chilly but not too cold. Perfect for an early evening train ride to the North Pole.

The train pulled into the station shortly after we arrived, so we raced to get a spot in line. It wasn't too long after that when we heard, "ALL ABOARD!" Everybody got their tickets and prepared to board. Here's Alex meeting with one of the ticket masters. Please note the eyes. He wasn't letting his guard down, that's for sure.

He was a little more comfortable with the chef who actually took our tickets. She was also the chef who served our hot cocoa and cookies during the ride. (Best snickerdoodles EVER, by the way.) Eventually he took to her well enough to dance with her on the train.

The ride to the North Pole was a one hour round trip. The first half hour we enjoyed the hot cocoa and cookies while the Polar Express story was played over the speakers. The chefs walked up and down the aisle with the book to show the children the pictures as the story was being read.

I don't have any good pictures of the North Pole, but there was a wonderful scene with Christmas lights, Santa's sleigh, dancing elves, presents – the whole nine yards. Santa boarded the train at the North Pole and rode back with us. He visited every car on the train and handed out silver jingle bells to all of the children. Just before he entered our car, the children started chanting, "SANTA! SANTA! SANTA! SANTA! SANTA!" Alex joined right in the chorus. He was beside himself with excitement!

Now I should make it a point to tell you that the gifting of the jingle bell was a big deal to Alex. When he watches the Polar Express movie, his key takeaway is that when Santa gave the little boy the jingle bell at the North Pole, the little boy did not say, "Thank you." This is what he will tell you when you ask him about the movie, "Little boy say 'thank you' to Santa for jingle bell, nope."

So we asked Alex, "When Santa gives you the bell, are you going to say 'thank you'?" YEP, Alex says.

Although usually apprehensive when Santa gets nearby, Alex was so brave when Santa came to give him his bell. Alex looked Santa in the eyes, took his bell, and said, "Thank you!"

And, boy, did he enjoy ringing his bell! I think it's safe to say, he believes. =)

Once Santa was on the train, the chefs passed out song books, and we sang every Christmas carol known to man. All while Alex danced up and down the aisle with the other kids.

Toward the end, he was getting tuckered out.

So was little Roo bear who found a nice cozy spot right there in Noni's arms.

This was one night of fun that none of us will ever forget. We have Noni and Pop Pop to thank for this grand adventure since they bought our tickets as part of our Christmas. Most definitely one of our favorite gifts!