All Aboard!

On December 5th, we took the girls on the Polar Express train ride out of the Palestine depot. We've been eyeing this activity to do with the girls for a long time and now that we are up here, we took the opportunity. We had so much fun and to see the wonder and excitement in all of our children (even Molly) was a true thrill. I tried to capture it in pictures, but they certainly don't do it justice.

The excitement began building about two weeks prior. We had a countdown and everything. The day came and we got the girls in their pajamas and began our journey to Palestine. It was freezing cold and we pulled up to steam billowing out of the train engine. The squeals of delight were coming from all three girls. We got our tickets and boarded with lot of other kiddos wearing their Christmas pajamas and our hour long journey began.

The hot chocolate and treats were served with music and all. Soon the kids had the familiar hot chocolate ring around their mouths and Molly Kate enjoyed the krinkly sound of the wrapper.

They began reciting the Polar Express book; however, do to all the laughter and giggling we didn't follow along very well. Then they yelled, "THE NORTH POLE". They had decorated an area with thousands of lights and there was Santa waving on his porch (need I say the squeals got louder). He boarded the train and went from car to car giving each "believer" a bell. We listened to bells ringing all the way home.

When we got in the car to go home, Mary Ella said, "Mom, when we got on the train and they were playing that soft music from the movie, I almost cried." I could tell she didn't understand why, so we had the talk about how sometimes when we are real happy and excited about something we shed tears. I love the fact that she is going to be a happy crier....one the best emotions God has given us.....laughter through tears. We were just so thankful to experience this as a family. Even Molly loved it! I hope if anyone has the chance to do this that they would. We are so glad we now have this sweet family memory.