The Polar Express!

The weekend of December 10th-12th we spent in Bryson City, NC enjoying our Christmas present from my Daddy and Carol (Grandma and Pop to the boys)- a weekend in the mountains and a ride on The Polar Express! We had a WONDERFUL time and look forward to this new annual tradition!

We all stayed in a cabin in Robbinsville, NC just 20 minutes from Bryson City. The cabin was quite comfortable and we all had fun playing "Family Feud" Plunkett vs. Elsberry style... for the record, the Elsberry family was victorious and I even SWEPT the entire individual fast round! I couldn't believe it myself! :) We ate all of our meals there and enjoyed lighting the Advent Wreath before each meal that Carol brought along.

The train ride was at 6:30 on Saturday night, so we ate a late lunch/early dinner before heading out. We dressed all three boys (Nick, Adam, and cousin Brice) in matching red fleece pajamas. We arrived at the train station and picked up our tickets. There were little ones eveywhere in their pajamas filled with excitement. We then lined up to board the train. As we were waiting, the train full of people from an earlier ride arrived. Nick's eyes were so big seeing a real train in person- especially one that was MOVING! He was so cute.

We boarded the train and picked a few tables for our large group. There were "elves" on hand to help us board and select our seats. As soon as the train lurched to a start, the excitement really began!

First, the conductor boarded the train asking for our tickets as he punched each one! Then the elves brought us hot cups of hot chocolate to sip on and red and green rice krispy treats to munch on. Nick was a huge fan of both- his first time having either one! There were Christmas lights outside of our window to check out. They boys had a blast running back and forth between our table and Grandma and Pop's table snacking and sipping! They were definitely running on pure sugar!

When we were a few miles up the track, they began a recording of the story "The Polar Express" and the elves walked around showing everyone pictures from the storybook.

As soon as we were about to enter the North Pole, the elves turned out all of the cabin lights and told us to look out the window for Santa! Nick's eyes were absolutely filled to the brim with wonder and awe. I was overcome with emotions seeing this experience through the eyes of my little boy and wept like a baby! My sister and I were both in tears watching our little boys! Everyone waved to Santa as we passed. Then it was time to come back! The elves told us to look out the window again to wave to Santa as we passed, but when we did, we discovered he wasn't there... maybe he was on the train with us!?!?!?

When Santa walked into our cabin, Nick just lit up!!! Here's where I lost it again! He stared up at Santa Clause with his biggest eyes and a look of amazement and wonder as Santa handed Nick a bell from his sleigh. Brice told Santa that he wanted Thomas Trains for Christmas while Nick looked on. It was precious! As quickly as Santa came, he was gone. Nick waved to Santa as he went on to the next car full of children.

Nick had a great time shaking his little bell while we sang Christmas Carols like "The 12 Days of Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" as we returned to the station.

The boys slept great that night and when we woke up on Sunday morning, we had SNOW! The cabin owners called to offer us another night at no charge. While it was very tempting, we knew the roads would only get worse and we didn't want to get stuck. So we reluctantly headed home!

I can't even put into words how amazing the whole experience was. I had no idea what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect to be a blubbering idiot watching my son experience the whole thing. I CAN'T WAIT to go back next year when I'm sure I'll have even more tears of joy as I watch Nick AND Adam experience something so magical and wonderful together!

It was the perfect beginning to a wonderful Christmas holiday!