The Polar Express

Joe had to work in Kingman, Arizona for a few days before Christmas so we planned a surprise for the kids--a ride on the Polar Express.  We packed and left early in the afternoon on Monday, December 19 to make the 7:30 train.  It was about a three hour drive and we didn't tell the kids what we were doing but once we had passed Kingman, they figured it out (plus, a friend in our ward accidentally asked Katelyn about it 2 nights prior so she already knew but did a great job keeping the secret).  On the way to Williams, I pulled out some wrapped presents and told them that they could open them.  Inside were their new Christmas pajamas.  I was worried that they would be disappointed not to open them on Christmas Eve but they loved them and were so excited.  They all changed into their pajamas while driving in the dark car and couldn't wait to get there.

We arrived with the perfect amount of time to get bundled up, pick up our tickets, walk through the gift shop and around the station, and load the train.   It was pretty cold and there was even a little bit of snow on the ground which made it even more fun and feel like Christmas.   It's just not the same without snow in Las Vegas.

The ride was about an hour round trip.  On the way to the North Pole, we were served hot chocolate and big sugar cookies baked from Mrs. Claus.  When we arrived, there was a lighted Christmas village and a big sleigh full of presents and Santa Claus.   The train rode through the village and as it stopped and started going backwards to head back to the depot, the train attendants told us to wave to Santa to say goodbye.  But he wasn't there!  We headed back towards the depot all the while singing Christmas carols and dancing with the attendants.  A few minutes later, the attendant told us to start chanting "Santa" and as we got louder and louder, in walked Santa Claus.  He visited each child and gave them a bell to remember him and believe in the spirit of Christmas. 

Singing Christmas Carols

A view of the North Pole through our train window.  Terrible pictures through the glare of the train but it was so cute.

Here comes Santa Claus!

It was a really fun night and we were so excited that it worked out this year to go.  The Stuart family hopes that we will all be able to hear the bell ring in the years to come and truly believe in the spirit of the season.