THIS is the Polar Express.
For the first time, we were able to get the golden ticket to ride the Polar Express this year from Bryson City, NC all the way to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. We had a nice little surprise when we arrived at the train depot downtown because the Christmas parade was just getting ready to start. So, we watched the Bryson City parade then boarded the "Silver Bullet" club car for an exciting Christmas adventure. The ride was a lot like the movie, for those who have seen it. On the way to pick up Santa, songs from the movie were played over the intercom system while staff dressed in cute train costumes served cookies, candies "with nougat centers as white as snow" and of course, hot chocolate. There was a lot of dancing in the aisles and singing going on. With about 15 minutes until our stop, the story was read over the speakers and we all pulled out our book and read along. When we arrived at "Santa's house" (which for those who have never been there is a very modest cape cod style home with somewhat tacky decorations!), he boarded the train and met with every child and asked them what they wanted for Christmas and then gave them a "Believe" bell. On the way back to the depot, songbooks were passed out and some terribly off-key caroling took place. Santa came around once more and autographed books for those of us who brought them. What a fun trip. The costumes were great, the staff was so happy and sweet and the attention to detail--all the way down to the conductor who punched their tickets--was astounding. I see an annual tradition in the making...
Also, a big congrats goes out to Jack today as he ran in his very first 5K in Winterville (in sub 30 degree weather I might add). The kids and I were there to cheer him on at the finish and we are all so proud of him and all his hard work!
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