All Aboard the Polar Express!

Aunt Mary and Uncle Ralph treated Drew, Whitley and David to a very special Christmas present this year- tickets on the Polar Express!  Mae Mae, Stacy, the kids and I loaded up in the Davis van and headed to Bryson city Friday, Dec. 27.  We took our time, watched some movies, and enjoyed a nice lunch at Mellow Mushroom on the way.  Bryson City is a small town so there wasn't too much to do while we waited for our ride with Santa, but it does have a nice model train museum.  We all liked watching the many trains zip by the elaborate displays of a carnival, school house, construction site, water fall, etc.  After a delicious dinner of chicken tenders (Ha! Mae Mae was disgusted!), it was time to get ready for our train.  Guests aboard the Polar Express are encouraged to wear their pajamas, and we were all happy to do so!  We waited by the train depot for the Polar Express to arrive, golden tickets and copies of the book in hand.  It was very chilly outside, in the 30's, but our first class car was warm and welcoming.  There were decorations all along the windows and treat bags waiting for us at our seats.  The kids immediately tore into them to enjoy the chocolate covered pretzels and marshmallow Santas.  Once the train started rolling, two spirited waitresses passed out song books and led us in Christmas carols.  We were very enthusiastic singers, and were immediately complimented by the staff.  (I'm not kidding, either.  We really were quite good.  These kids know "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" like nobody's business.)  Then, during our rousing rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,"  Ol' St. Nick himself walked in!  He gave every child a silver jingle bell from his sleigh and signed our copies of The Polar Express.  A few songs later, the lights were turned out in anticipation of our arrival at the North Pole.  We saw a small town outside the windows, with every building lined with Christmas lights.  One of our hostesses pointed out Frosty's house, the North Pole Post Office, Santa's house, and the church where Mr. and Mrs. Claus got married.  Whitley liked seeing a separate train with the hobo from The Polar Express movie sitting on top by his campfire.  He waved at us as we rode by.  When the train began heading back, we were brought chocolate chip cookies and mugs of yummy hot chocolate topped with lots of whipped cream.  Then, I took Drew and Whitley to the bathroom.  They thought it was very exciting to walk along the tight corridor on a moving train, passing from car to car to reach the restroom.  By the time we returned, our mugs of hot cocoa were retrieved so we could be given clean ones to take home.  We arrived back at the train station happy, but exhausted.  All three kiddos fell asleep in the van on the way to the hotel.  :)

Thank you, Ralph and Mary, for an UNFORGETTABLE experience!  What a Christmas memory to treasure!  It was magical for us all.  Love you both!

Whitley poses in front of the interactive train display.  Pressing the buttons turns on the various carnival rides. 

The primary train display was three levels tall!

The kids are ready.  Pajamas- check!  Tickets- check!  Books- check!

Here it comes!

Treat bags!

Mae Mae holds up one of our punched tickets.  They clicked it several times, just like in the movie.  So cute.  

We technically had one table, and two seats across the way.  But we decided to snuggle in and all sit together.  It was much better.  :)

Santa gives Whitley her bell.

She can hear it!  She believes!

Bye, Santa!  Thanks for all the good presents!

Whitley tried the hot chocolate and liked it (despite saying she would not).

Drew acts out his joy over his mug of cocoa.   Aaaahhhhh!

Mae Mae- Aunt Extraordinaire and Hostess with the Mostest!