This was a surprise adventure and everyone was part of the secret. Christmas Eve Lele set the stage and asked to watch a Christmas movie with the boys. She requested Polar Express. Case had seen the movie once before, but Cole experienced the movie for the first time. That evening while we slept the elves, Elfie and Red, put together the wooden train set and printed out a note complete with Golden Polar Express tickets. The note said;
"I saw you watching the movie Polar Express and thought it would be fun if you were able to go on a train adventure just like the movie. I got you some golden tickets and you are going on a train ride with cocoa, cookies and visit a village that looks like the North Pole. I hope you enjoy! Tomorrow night I will be leaving to stay with Santa at the North Pole and I will miss you.
The time has come to say goodbye. We've had such fun, but please don't cry. Next time I see you, you'll be a bit taller, I guess that means I will look even smaller. Remember this year while we are apart to be kind and friendly and follow your heart. Listen to your parents and teachers too! Even though you can't see me, I'll be watching you. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!! -Elfie and Red"
The boys were so excited. A train ride! Santa! Cocoa! Golden Tickets! They had matching p'j's on and were ready to go by 8am even though the train ride didn't start until 5pm. We killed time by going to the mall, getting our pictures taken with the mall Santa and decorating Christmas cookies before leaving.
Once we arrived in Canyon City, Uncle Jason bought both boys souvenir trains at the station while we waited to board, which they thanked him at least a dozen times over the course of the night. The Santa Express train is supposed to be a winter wonderland where children are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family on a journey through the Royal Gorge. We all sat together in a decorated train car with Christmas lights, cut out snow flakes and a Christmas tree while traveling down the tracks. Before Santa boarded the train car we munched on chips and salsa, sipped cocoa and nibbled on cookies while Santa's elves entertained the kids with songs and games like: the reindeer pokey (aka: hokey pokey), we are going on a polar bear hunt and santa bingo. The train drove through the canyon and part of the time we stood outside on the open air train car for a better view of the creek running next to the track behind Santa's decorated village.
Well, I can't really explain it, but this adventure was something super special for the boys. Case and Cole believed hook, line and sinker this. was. the. real. deal. They cheered when the train drove by Santa waving in front of his workshop in North Pole village. And even though the plywood town decorated in lights was nothing special to look at for adults, the boys were in wonderment and tried to guess which tiny house our elf lived in. The people in the train car chanted "Santa! Santa! Santa!" until Jolly Old Saint Nicholas entered the car and then cheers erupted from everyone when he made his grand entrance. Case and Cole were the first boys he talked to and Case was enamored. When Santa asked what Case wanted for Christmas Case asked for football helmets and a bell from Santa's sleigh just like in the movie Polar Express. The look on Case's face when Santa pulled a bell out of his pocket to give him was simply perfect. Wonderment.
After the Polar Express train ride was over we munched on dinner at Chili's and shared a dessert while Uncle Jason taught the boys magic tricks at the table. The evening was something wonderful. I am so glad the entire family including Lele, Popie, Uncle Jason and Aunt Jennie were there to join us for such a special Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve cookie decorating
Heavy on the sprinkles.
Santa wanted the boys to pretend they were asleep since they were in their jammies. They didn't get the concept. His request = stiff bodies, big grins and half closed eyes.
The old classic, smile and say cheese turned out best.
Elfie and Red's train set with golden tickets.
Experiencing the magic in front of the train.
Racing Uncles Jason's souvenir trains down the slide on the playground before boarding the actual train.
ALL ABOARD!
Our happy little family.
The whole group.
Part of the hokey pokey.
Outside on the open air deck.
Peering out the window to see Santa's village outside.
Santa's special bell gift for Case.
Later that night our motion activated cameras caught Santa in the act! I think he was surprised.
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