The Polar Express

Tonight we rode the Polar Express! During November and December, the Branson Scenic Railroad is transformed into the Polar Express and is a really fun experience for families. We coordinated our trip to the "North Pole" with friends - the Houstons, the Sparks and the Hampschs. Our kids were all over the place - (a bit hyper from hot chocolate and cookies and the excitement of friends), but the madness made it all the more fun. I was very pleased with the whole experience! The Polar Express staff was fun and interacted well with kids. OK, most of the staff interacted well with the kids. Exception - the narrator! The staff joined us in the rail car to sing Christmas carols and welcome Santa. A special treat was the Polar Express hot chocolate mug that we all received because our train had been delayed. Yippee!

What's that? You want to see pictures? OK, here's the gang!
Back Row: Tred, Braden, Neely, Holland, Mylee
Front Row: Connor, Carter, Hadley, Isaac, Ella, Hunter, Colton


"Tickets please!" The Conductor actually punched each passenger's ticket with his or her initials!

Time for hot chocolate. The hot chocolate scene in the Polar Express movie is classic! Though these waiters didn't dance, it was fun to have the actual music in the background.

All the boys enjoying the ride.

Adding to the magic...it was "snowing" as we boarded the train.

Thank you Lord for good friends! Cat, Melissa, Rachel and Bronwyn.

This was a great Santa. He was super patient with all the kids, smiled for LOTS of pictures and had a very authentic "HO, HO, HO!"




Carter and his buddy Hadley.

Look! A pretty good family picture. Thanks for the extra flair Colton!