The Polar Express

It was a quick trip (although somehow not so quick at the time - 5 hours of driving! Each way!) up to the North Pole and back for our family. The Grand Canyon Railway does a Polar Express ride in the winter, and we took advantage of this, since this is likely our last Christmas in Arizona. Kate was probably not quite old enough to get the full enjoyment out of the experience, but she liked it fine. We had dinner first, with friends Dana, John and their son Eric who is a week older than Kate. Then we all boarded the train, and Kate stared and stared at the conductor. He didn't look all that much like the character in the movie, but his costume was pretty impressive. Kate and Eric climbed up and down, up and down, up and down the train bench seats, and then practiced throwing their bells at other passengers. Claire got fussy half-way through and let us all know she was tired and wanted to go to bed.

We sang Christmas songs, drank hot chocolate (no dancers delivering it, unfortunately), and even got to visit with Santa, who gave each of the girls a large bell to keep. I have a few pictures, most of which did not turn out well, as the train was dark and I was unable to get the camera pointed in the right direction. But, those pictures have not yet been downloaded, and the equipment necessary for that feat is in the room where Claire is sleeping. Later, I promise.

For now, we are all trying to get over our cold d'jour. I think we have all been sick with different illnesses since Thanksgiving. So for now it's a lot of snot, kleenexes, and resting. Meet me back here soon for pictures.