A Ride on the Polar Express

I have been waiting over a year, since last Christmas season, to work it out for our family to go on this Polar Express train ride in Chattanooga. It worked out that we were going to be in Canton for Thanksgiving which got us close enough to go! We kept it a surprise from the kids until we were at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. When we told them I don't think they quite comprehended what we were doing, but it didn't take long before their excitement grew. Mrs. Clause was waiting in the station to talk to all the children in their little PJ's. Nana and Auntie Shelly took the kids over to meet her while I went into the gift shop for batteries. Why do camera batteries always die at the worst time? Anyway, we (besides our family Jason, Shelly and Nana and Papa Sloan), went outside to wait for the train to arrive. As it pulled up the kid's eyes about popped out of their heads. The train must have looked huge to them. I got teary-eyed. I'd been waiting for that moment since the day I found out about the train ride. Once we boarded and the train started on it's way a lady in a pretty red costume walked the aisles reciting the story of the Polar Express. When she was finished another lady came out and let the kids each take a turn practicing what they were going to say to Santa when we arrived at the "North Pole". Then they handed out gingerbread cookies and chocolate milk to everyone. Once we were finished eating they had everyone take their seats as the train sped up a hill and through the clouds. Once we were above the clouds we rode past a bunch of Christmas light displays. Then we entered "Elf Land". There were signs on the buildings for "Santa's Warehouse" and "Santa's Shipping Center". There were Christmas light reindeer and under a big lit archway was Santa and Mrs. Clause waving at the kids. Once we came to a stop Santa boarded the train! He walked up the aisles and greeted every child. They all got to sit on his lap and tell them what they wanted for Christmas. Judson asked for a Spiderman scooter and a light saber. Ryann asked for a scooter and a bunny. Fortunately that Santa's pretty smart and he explained to Ryann that bunnies might get too cold on his sleigh.

After the visit from Santa they passed out sleigh bells to each child with instructions to hang them on their tree and on Christmas Eve when they heard the bell ring it meant that Santa was on his way so they needed to get to bed and fall asleep quickly so he could come to their house.

On the way back to the station we sang Christmas songs. It was just such a neat experience. One that I don't think the kids will ever forget.

Thanks Papa and Nana Sloan!! We had such a great time!