Polar Express

Sunday December 6th

Willy and I boarded the Polar Express at 2:25p for the 2:45p train.

Willy was decked out in his new PJs and his navy blue bathrobe, psyched up for our ride. I had to wake him from his afternoon nap to make sure we got to Greenbush Station on time and bleary eyed he greeted me- the first words out of his mouth "going on a choo choo?!" That's right little buddy. We got him dressed and got out of the house, and on the train on time.

We found a seat (but later moved to a seat at a table once we realized it was indeed open), which worked out great because as it turned out, we were seated right across from the Storyteller!

Here are our tickets!!

The train chugged along to Hingham and along the way there were many treats for the little ones. Elves painted noses to look like Rudolph's!

And they gave out Penguin Tattoos to decorate the kids' hands.

Then it was time to punch the tickets.

Willy held his out to be punched.

We sang Christmas carols along the way, but I think Willy's favorite part was the visit from the characters. He LOVED Frosty the Snowman!! We also saw Rudolph, Mrs. Claus & Santa himself!

Sitting at the table worked out great for eating a big chocolate chip cookie and drinking chocolate milk (no hot chocolate which was a little disappointing, but safer, I suppose)

--- check out that tattoo!----

When we arrived in Hingham, the Storyteller read the Polar Express aloud for all to hear. We were fortunate to be sitting with her so we got to see the pictures on every page. Willy paid attention to most of the book (which surprised me a little only because most of the other kids didn't seem to be listening at all. It was sooo loud). When the story was finished, the choo choo drove us back to Greenbush Station. We sang along the way, and Santa's elves brought presents to each boy and girl.

And Candy Canes too! Willy wore most of it, but enjoyed every minute of sucking on the sweets.

Willy loved his presents.

Crayons, a coloring page, a jingle bell and a train whistle!!

You can guess which was his favorite!!

It was truly a great trip. Willy was a bit tired for the first 15 minutes or so because he hadn't gotten to finish his nap, but I won't complain because he was super cuddly. He loved being on the train and watching as other trains passed us! And while he wasn't old enough to know the words to the Christmas Carols he loved the visits from the characters and the presents at the end. A day of wonderful memories for this little boy and his Aunt.

All the way home Willy kept saying "Aunt Jen, I had fun on the choo choo!"

I'd reply "Oh good buddy! That makes me happy! I had fun too"

Willy would let that simmer for a second then say "I'm happy too!"

On the way home he was asking to go to Uncle Danny's house so we stopped in for a visit.

{Which worked out well since Auntie Jen had a splitting headache, likely from the hundred of screaming kids on the train}

So Willy got some quality time watching football with Uncle Danny (and Shawn) while Auntie Jen got some Excedrin and ice water. Soon enough we were back on the road. I dropped off the little guy and made my way home. Great Christmas memories in my heart.