"This is the Polar Express"

For those of us that have children, small children especially, we know the story of the Polar Express. "On Christmas Eve many years ago, I lay quietly in my bed...I was listening for a sound - a sound a friend told me I'd never hear - the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh."

On Friday, the girls and I ventured down to Hood River, Oregon, with a quick stop in Camas to pick up Andy's cousin, Amy and her two girls, to board the Polar Express. It was a perfect PNW winter night, crisp and cold with a hint of rain.

Tickets in hand

Georgia & Lila ready to board the train

The train ride was a little 'rustic' as Amy put it, but the kids enjoyed it. Hot cocoa was served with cookies, the Polar Express story was read, and after a quick stop at the North Pole Santa paid each child a visit and gave them a bell.

Eva, Amy, Lila, Georgia & Natalie: we just found our seats

mmmm, hot chocolate

Georgia enjoying her cocoa...Lila clearly satisfied from hers.

"tickets, tickets please"...getting our tickets punched. Lila got a little scared.

Georgia & Santa

Eva & Santa

Natalie didn't want to sit on Santa's lap (she's not too sure of the big man)

Lila, wasn't having anything to do with Santa.