We have been waiting all year to do our Polar Express tradition. Last year it was our favorite thing we did. True story. We felt more prepared to make it awesome this year. Krystal gifted us the Polar Express soundtrack last year, and we added the Frozen soundtrack this year. Mix those things with our favorite Whitney Houston Christmas soundtrack, we were ready.
We were headed out thinking Paul wasn't going with, but he pulled in at the exact moment to tag along with us. The kids all picked out jammies, brought their new blankets, and had pure excitement.
We made a quick stop at Beans & Brews, McDonald's, and we were on to our favorite street to look at lights.
Sabrina didn't love it. May have had to do with her spilling her entire soda in her lap.
Devin kept asking when we were going to get on the real train. Obviously we didn't explain things clearly enough to him.
Savannah didn't want it to ever end, and was totally disappointed when we headed home too early.
So our first attempt at the Polar Express this year was a total bust. Eh, you win some, you lose some. We will be going out again, and next time I am sure it will be better...because it can't get any worse.
We usually try to visit Santa a few times during the month of December. Our first trip to see the big man in red was with friends, and he rode in on a firetruck. We were all jumping and screaming when we saw him getting closer. It was pretty exciting, I love the magic of Christmas.
We waited in a long line, which gave the kids plenty of time to come up with something they wanted.
Savannah only asked for Stompeez, but has now added a few more things to her list. See why we have to take a few trips to see him? They feel like they need to tell Santa every time it changes.
Devin asked for Flipeez, a bike {??}, and a bunny maker {a moon dough kit}. Surprisingly he was not shy around Santa, and was very specific in his requests.
Sabrina...well...we decided for her. We think she would like a new baby doll, or maybe something awesome to push around {stroller, grocery cart, etc}, and possibly a purse.
Even though we had to cut the night short, because of bedtime...Riverton City really knows how to put on a party. Lots of activities, food, and we even saw a pony.
Thanks Vanessa & girls for inviting us to tag along with you.
Paul's parents were here visiting during Thanksgiving week, and we were lucky enough to play a couple of times. The kids really love spending time with them, and are happy to do nothin' fancy...just have them come sit in their room and play/listen to them.
We went to dinner and Chuck E Cheese one night, and the kids were disappointed when it was time to go home. I don't think I saw Devin most of the night, because he was off with Grandpa. Savannah quickly took ownership of Grandma, and Sabrina was in awe of those freaky characters on stage.
Grandma came to hang out one day. Everyone piled in our bed to watch a movie. We walked to the gas station for treats {shocking}. I don't think the kids ever stopped talking. It is really fun to watch them with their grandparents.
The icing on the cake for me? Grandpa and Grandma helped me hang some Christmas lights on the house. I have always wanted them, and Paul doesn't do heights. It was so fun for me.
We loved seeing them, and wish they lived closer. The kids are already planning what we are going to do next time.
All good traditions must come to an end, or be put on hold. Okay soooo, maybe I am just saying that, because I am not very good at keeping traditions alive.
Some years we go out to eat on Thanksgiving, this year I cooked. Some years we go to the movies on Thanksgiving, this year we rented. Some years we have invited people over, this year it was our family of 5. Some years we go stir crazy, this year was pretty much perfect. Minus the fact I had taken a stumble down the stairs, and was in a fair amount of pain. I was glad that Walgreen's was open so that Paul could go for some Icy Hot.
I spent the majority of my day in the warm kitchen, and the kids would visit for tastes of everything I was cooking. Reminded me of my childhood, when I would go and visit my Dad in the kitchen. I do a traditional Bulkley Thanksgiving dinner, and if I cook...it will always be this way. I wouldn't go without stuffing with sausage in it, or a fruit salad that is totally made from canned fruit. I love that my kids are getting a slice of something I loved so much growing up.
The past few weeks I have had a lot of time to think about how many things I have to be thankful for. Writing all those posts in November was so helpful, picking up my big camera to capture my kids' cuteness was healing, and remembering to soak it all in is a constant goal of mine.
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