All Aboard...

...the Polar Express!

We were one of the lucky families (actually, Keith's dad was lucky) to buy tickets for the Polar Express. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad puts on this great ride complete with elves reading the Polar Express book, hot chocolate and cookies (like in the movie), a trip to the North Pole to see more elves and meet Santa (like in the movie), a bell off Santa's reindeer (like in the movie), and Christmas carols. The ride is so popular that they have a drawing each summer for tickets. The kids love it!! They wear their Christmas pajamas and receive a punched ticket, just like in the movie.

This was Carter's first encounter with Santa. When Santa came on board Carter was so intrigued. He jumped out of his seat and went to check out this jolly bearded man that had boarded his train. He stood in awe and didn't take his eyes off of him until he made his way to our large group. This man in the red suit was pretty cool--from a distance. As soon as we held him up for Santa his fascination turned to terror. He wanted nothing to do with this man up close! For Ty though the magic was there and he quietly asked him to bring him Spiderman oval things (I'm not sure...I think they are the pads for the bathtub he saw once in a random store). Anyways, the night was a magical success! Thanks grandpa!