The Polar Express

We surprised our kids with a ride on the Polar Express on Saturday.  I bought our tickets back in September and had been looking forward to it ever since then.  We didn't tell the kids where we were going we just told them they needed to wear their Christmas pajamas and that we were taking them on an adventure.  It's about an hour drive from Ogden to Heber City where the Polar Express train was.  We had the kids watch the Polar Express movie in our van on the drive there.  When we pulled into the parking lot and they saw the train across the street they both squealed and cheered with excitement.  

We boarded the train and found our seats.  We were served hot chocolate and cookies just like in the book.  We sang Christmas carols and were entertained by Santa's elves.  Then on the train ride back Santa came on the train and gave each child a bell.  He sat by our kids and they each got to tell him what they'd like for Christmas.  Claire asked for a tea set and Peter asked for a big fire truck.  Bryce and I had heard mixed reviews from other people we knew who'd gone on the Polar Express so we weren't sure what to expect.  We LOVED it and highly recommend going at least once, especially if you love the book or have a kid who loves trains.  After our train ride was done we went to eat at the Dairy Keen (a train themed local mom & pop burger joint).  It was a memorable weekend with our kids, one I won't forget!