All Aboard the Polar Express!

We took a trip to the North Pole via the Polar Express on Saturday! The Mt. Hood Railroad does this every year and we have been wanting to do it for two years now. We finally decided to do it this year. They sell out fast and even with getting our tickets the beginning of October, only the 8pm trains were available and December was booked! It was a late night, but way fun.

Waiting to board the train.

We told the kids our surpirse days before our trip and they got some new PJs for the occasion. I wanted to make matching ones, but it didn't happen. They were anxious to board the train. Faith was a bit disappointed when the train didn't look like the actual Polar Express. She was really hoping the evening would be exactly like the movie.

We were greeted by chefs and music from the movie played as we boarded the train. We were seated in the dining car for some reason. I was a little disappointed at first because it didn't seem like a traditional train ride, but it turned out to be nice. Our car had the most atmosphere, while the passenger cars felt a bit "cold". It was also the hub of the train.

As the journey began, Brenna danced on the table to the music. Everyone got a kick out of her. The chefs served us hot chocolate and cookies (which would have been in our laps if not for our table) while we listen to the movie soundtrack. The conductor came and punched the kids tickets, making it fall like snow on them.

They told the story of The Polar Express. We stopped at the North Pole and Santa was outside waving with elves running about. They boarded the train and made their way through the cars. The elves led everyone in Christmas carols while we waited for Santa to make it to our car. Each child was able to sit on Santa's lap and received a bell!

Faith, Cayden, and Brenna were tired after our 1 1/2 hour journey, especially since our train departed late. If we do this again another year, I will make sure that we do the 5pm train.