The Polar Express

The French Lick Hotel is always decorated so festive for Christmas.  It makes the perfect place to get some pictures in their new Christmas PJs that Thomas the Elf brought them.  I love their PJs this year - "I can't the Elf is Watching".  Look at Devin's dimple in this picture.  I love to see his genuine smile. 

When did Tate get so big?  He is a mini Greg!  I sure hope I can handle this when he gets a little older.

They might have been fighting right before/after I took this picture, but for a moment in time they were smiling, looking at the camera, and acting like they like each other.  Success!

They are excited to ride the Polar Express. 

Tate, Stacey, Devin

Tate, Greg, and Devin

Nothing says Christmas time like The Polar Express and getting to ride to the North Pole.

We had seats this year in the dining car.  

Devin getting his ticket punched.

That's not dandruff, it's not snow, it's his ticket puches.

Dad and Devin while riding the Polar Express.

Tate and Mom

Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate!  It was so tasty!  

Devin enjoying his Hot Chocolate, even though he doesn't really like Hot Chocolate.

Yes, its that good.  Tate is still working on his camera skills.  He got most of me in the picture.

I think Greg might be wishing his Hot Chocolate was spiked with something other than marshmallows.  

Here come the Chefs!

Tate and Devin with Santa!  He joined the train ride after we made it to the North Pole.  

Devin and Tate with our elves.  They made our train trip exciting.  They even managed to get Devin out of his seat to dance with them.  

Boys Will Be Boys!

 We woke up this morning to Thomas trying to run our Polar Express Train underneath our Christmas Tree.  He definitely got carried away and ran the train way to fast!

 The train jumped the tracks and crashed!  Hope everyone on board is safe.

 What a mess!

 Thomas knows better, but boys will be boys.

Thomas looks completely guilty.  Oops!

Believe!!

Tate took the camera and capture a great picture of Devin and I outside the reindeer's barn.  

Then it was Devin's turn to snap a picture.

Wearing our PJ's waiting to ride on the Polar Express.  We took some time to walk around the French Lick Hotel and take in all the Christmas Decorations.  

Tate in his festive Christmas jammies.

Devin in his festive Christmas jammies.

Awh, how cute!  

This one by far is my favorite photo from the evening.  These boys make my heart melt.  I love sharing all of these special memories with them.  That is what truly makes the holiday seasons so special. 

Thanks to a passer by we got a family picture.

Devin took this great picture of Greg and I.

Devin writing on the wall to Santa.  He wrote "Love, Devin"  

Tate working to draw his name.  You can see his "T" that he just drew.

Waiting for the Polar Express to leave.  Can't wait for the trip to the North Pole. 

Great family picture before we left the station.

Such a sweet little face.  

Tate getting his ticket punched!

Devin getting his ticket punched.

Dancing like Rudolph!

Tate shaking it like crazy.

The whole train car was up and dancing.

The boys with Santa.  Devin asked for the new Disney Infinity Marvel Super Hero's.  Tate asked Santa for a Interrupting Talking Ninja Turtle.

We had another great trip on the Polar Express.  The Hot Chocolate and cookies were perfect!  This is becoming such a wonderful tradition in our family.  Great way to start of the season!

Why to the North Pole, Of Course

Devin & Tate were so excited to ride the Polar Express.  They couldn't wait to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.  Tate even told us he would be brave when he saw Santa.  We'll wait and see about that one.

Ready to Ride

Family picture before the train departs. 

Tate and his favorite Hot Chocolate.
He drank his and Devin's he liked it so much!

Excitedly listening to the Conductor read the Polar Express.
Can't wait to make it to the North Pole.

Daddy & Tate's best impression of Elvis Presley.

He definitely has the "cool" down. 

Love that smirk. You can see his mischievous personality coming out on this one.

 At last, Santa made it on the train.  Devin & Tate were happy to see him. They even asked him what they wanted for Christmas.  Then Santa handed out his famous sleigh bells.

Cuddling with Mom.

 

The boys wanted to get their pictures taken with our Elves - Mitten & Penguin.