Polar Express

We decided to head back to Williams, Arizona for the second year to visit the Polar Express. Last year we went on Christmas Eve an it was magical. This year because of the now 7 hour drive we decided we would go a few days before Christmas. That way we are able to be home all day on Christmas. We started our drive on Saturday just after lunch. We were all super pumped up and no one was dreading the long ride. We made it 3 1/2 hours before we stopped in the middle of NO WHERE. Seriously! It was the first building we saw in over an hour. It had a tiny gas station, a little convenient store and bathrooms that they charged you a dollar to use if you were not a paying costumer. We of course decided to stock up on snacks so we did not have to pay to relieve ourselves. However there was no way were going to pay $4 a gallon for gas. Thanks but no thanks expensive tiny gas station. After a 10 minute stop we were back on the road. Our next stop for the day was in Kingsman, Arizona. We were greeted by $1.99 gas prices and a warm hotel. After picking up dinner we went to our room to make our ginger bread house. This was the first year I bought one that was not reassembled. What a mistake that was. The girls enjoyed decorating it but we were unsuccessful on getting it to stay standing.

The next morning we continued our drive to Williams. It was only a 90 minute drive through the mountains. We saw lots of snow on the ground and animals in the fields. Once we arrived to Williams we checked in and then played in the snow. The girls were so excited. Addison was not a fan of being cold (totally my girl). They made a small snow man, went sledding and had a snow ball fight. It was wonderful! We had lunch in town and saw a little bit of Williams. While Addison napped, Alexa and I went swimming in their very warm pool.

That night we had dinner and then got on our festive Christmas PJ's. We opted for the late train ride this year. We met Ms. Clause and Alexa asked her what she has been up to since last year. Our train car was letter "J". Alexa kept saying J is for Jesus. I loved that she still brought something true of Christmas into our very commercialized event. Addison was sooo excited to see the train. We were the first ones on ours and immediately found our seats. For the second year in a row we were in the back of our car. I prefer some of my own space so this made me happy.

During the first half of the train ride we danced and sang. We had our tickets punched just like in the movie. We then had hot chocolate and cookies while looking for the North Pole. Once at the North Pole we saw Santa and his Elf. On the way back Santa got on the train and told Alexa she was on the nice list. Addison was hesitant but was happy with the bell she received. On the way back we sang Christmas carols that included a contest between the girls and boys. It was such a wonderful and magical time. After our train ride we took our Christmas photo on Santa's sleigh. On our way back to the hotel we watched the light show (Mom's favorite part). Both girls were exhausted and went right to sleep.

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel restaurant and made friends with the table next to us. Then we started our LONG drive home. We stopped 3 times and were all ready to get out of the car. It was a quick weekend but a fun one. We look forward to do it again next year and hopefully including some Grandparents too.