So, on Dec 23rd we loaded up the kids and drove to the North Pole,(AKA a little town close to Flagstaff). We checked into the Hotel, changed into our jammies and walked over to the Polar Express Train.
Here is our beautiful authentic looking train. We handed them our authentic looking tickets and boarded the Polar Express.
After we sat down, they brought us the most deliciously thick and rich Hot Chocolate. Just like a melted candy bar. Our servers then brought us a giant snickerdoodle cookie. We continued to ride the train, and out through the window and dark night we started to see lights..... and then pulled into the North Pole. Santa boarded the train and visited with each of us and handed all of us a giant bell. Santa was extremely friendly and kind. He visited with everyone and made us all feel very special!
Outside at the train station. It was SOOO cold up there!! There was snow everywhere. Every time we stepped out the door we had to be bundled in scarf, hat, and gloves. The perfect weather for a "North Pole" Experience.
The Hotel had a great lobby. It had a giant fireplace, large leather comfy sofa's and a really great "ski lodge" feel. That night as we were struggling to get all the kiddos to sleep, Livi developed a fever. I always pack tylenol, but of course this trip... I forgot. So, at midnight Travis went out in this tiny little town to look for some fever reducers. Apparently, this is quite the powerful substance, because you cannot find it ANYWHERE. Not at the gas station...not anywhere. As he heads back to the Hotel empty handed... he gets pulled over. (salt to the wound) But after he got back, he talked to some nice people in the lobby and we traded some home made fudge for a couple teaspoons of fever reducer.
The reason I bring up this story is because at midnight - 1 am we headed down to the lobby with Livi. She was wide awake and we were trying to cool her down. As we got downstairs and sat in front of the giant fire place, we got to watch the most Beautiful snow storm. Giant gorgeous snow flakes falling and falling.... It was beautiful. When I was a teenager living in Utah, I would go out and walk up and down the street at night when we had giant snow storms like that. They are my absolute favorite!! It definitely brought a wonderful childhood sense of Christmas spirit back to me for this Christmas Season.
As if this trip couldn't get anymore magical, the next day B-pa and Cheryl took us to a nearby Reindeer farm. The girls couldn't get food in the palm of their hands fast enough. The deer were actually just trying to eat strait out of the feeding cup... not shy at all. There were all kinds of animals there. The girls had a really really great time.
Most importantly they had Reindeer. Here are some of the real Reindeer here at the farm.
Gracie the Camel
Tanner and Livi. He was her hero here at the farm. She is really terrified of dogs and larger animals. He held her the whole time and kept her feeling safe. He's such a good uncle to his little nieces :)
1 comment:
Oh my goodness, that looks like it was SUCH a blast! SO FUN!!
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