The Polar Express

Yesterday we had our second annual day spent riding the rails on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Santa Express.  And this year Sister, her Mister and the train lovin' Bird joined in on the fun!

Honey and I tiptoed downstairs before the little awoke (thankfully we had a laaaaaate Friday night and they slept in) to help little Scout prepare breakfast.

While Honey read the book, we ate pancakes, sipped on Polar Express hot chocolate and rang our bells.

Scout left the littles each a golden (white in our case) ticket to ride on a REAL Polar Express Train!  They were thrilled to find that we were returning to Blue Ridge again this year!!

Between breakfast and leaving for the train, we watched the Polar Express (recorded from ABC Family.)

And then it was finally time to hit the road.  Arriving in Blue Ridge, we dined on (a mediocre) lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe before heading to our coach to ride the rails!!

As we chugged out of the station, the littles were completely enamored with the sights and scenes passing by. 

We visited with Frosty and Rudolph and sang Christmas carols while sipping on (more) hot chocolate.

The littles gathered around to hear a the story of the Christmas Train.

After more caroling, the PCP was asked to lead "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" for our coach.

And at the end of the carol, what to our wondering eyes did appear?  Santa Claus himself!

He gave the littles their special Polar Express bells and asked each of them for one thing they'd like for Christmas.  When the PCP sweetly asked for "just one more bell", Santa was pleased to comply.  And when the baby shyly asked only for "a candy cane", I thought my hear would melt right there on the spot.  As soon as he had the words out of his mouth, Mrs. Claus was rifling through her basket to give him just that!

Back at the depot and full of Christmas cheer, we popped in a few stores.  Our very favorite was Gracious Home.  I could have left with a car load of lovelies but settled on a sidetable for the baby's one-day big boy room.

It was another splendid wintertime, Christmastime day riding the rails in Blue Ridge!
xoxo