North Pole Express

Last week Sean and I took Taylor and my cousin Laura on the North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad. We left the babe with my mom since we didn't think he'd have very much fun on a long train ride in the cold. This was our third year going (L's first) and we all had so much fun!

We packed up the kiddos a little early so we could go to Dairy Keen in Heber and get some dinner first. Anytime we're in Heber (or even just passing through to Park City) we always stop for a bite to eat at the "train restaurant."

This is kind of a random side note, but have any of you seen these soda dispensers? They're amazing! The entire thing is touch screen and I think I could've spent an hour playing with it. Guess I'm easily amused.

After a yummy dinner we headed to the railroad, bundled the kids up, and stood in line for the train. The kids got their wiggles out while we waited. They're so silly!

We boarded the train and were really excited about the train car we got; it was super cushy and warm, unlike some of the cars we've had in the past. In fact before the train left we all un-bundled ourselves because it was so comfortable in the car.

As we started the train ride Santa's elves came around and gave everyone hot chocolate and a cookie. This was what both Taylor and Laura told us they were looking forward to the most. Not hard to please a four-year-old and a seven-year-old!

As the train chugged along the edge of Deer Creek Reservoir and the sun set we played games and sung carols with the elves and some high school choir students. Tay has some weird issue with singing and just sat and grumpily plugged his ears the whole time.

Tay just got more and more ornery with all the singing and finally went over, crawled up on Sean's lap, and almost fell asleep.

Meanwhile Laura was loving every second of the carol singing and tried her hardest to get Taylor into it too.

Luckily Tay perked right up when Santa came aboard our train car! He talked with each of the kiddos individually and asked them both what they wanted most for Christmas. Taylor's request: a Batman cave set (luckily Santa's already got it hidden in our coat closet). Laura's request: a desk. He said it was just about as great as a girl in the last train car who asked for a pencil sharpener. I remember being that age though and dreaming about having a desk. Is that weird? I don't think so.

Anyhoo, then Santa gave each of them a jingle bell as a souvenir and they were both so excited they laughed and rang their bells all the way back to Orem.

It was a really great night and I was happy we could take Laura with us. Hopefully next year we can take Oliver with us so we can experience the North Pole Express as a family.