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.  

Christmas Overload Weekend

Greg taking the lead around Brown County.  He decided that we needed to change things up a little bit.  He's trying to break a 30 year tradition.  That can be very hard.  Needless to say he was only half effective.  

Greg found his perfect pillow!  Not sure if that pertains to me or himself.  

The Bane family ugly christmas sweater contest.  We all wore handmade Grinch shirts.  They told the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  

Even the backs were covered.  Now we tell the story of the Grinch from Tate to Greg!

Look how cute we are!!

So this is what the dirty santa turned into.  Its not every day that you can sit on your Uncles lap, dressed as Santa and ask for everything you want for Christmas.  I think I impressed the entire family with how high I was able to get my leg. 

The following morning the boys took some time to meet with Santa.  Devin told him everything he wanted.  The biggest item on his list is Anki Overdrive.  Santa knew exactly what he was talking about.  

Tate wanted to visit with Santa, but didn't want to sit on his lap.  He asked for a few more items.  Last time he met with Santa he was a little rushed and didn't have a chance to tell Santa everything he wanted.  This time he was able to complete his list.  

After leaving Brown County, we decided that we would participate in the town wide Christmas Parade.  It is a light Christmas Parade for all the golf carts and side-by-sides in town.  Greg & I started pulling out some left over Christmas decorations.  Thanks to some of the POS Greg has from work we threw together a pretty nice cart.  Our theme was "A Christmas Story".  We had Ralphie in his bunny suit on the front.  The leg lamp towards the back and a ton of lights strung all around running off our generator.  

I even pulled out an old Christmas present from Greg.  The oh so famous Hoodie Footie in the Pepto- Bismol Pink Color.  I even dug up some black glasses and a bb gun to complete the ensemble.  We also were playing movie clips from the movie on the ipad and playing the sound over the blue tooth speaker.  We had such a blast.  Uncle Matt also came along for the ride!   

We weaved our way through town, towards the old gym.  Once we all arrived there, Fr Tony blessed our Christmas tree and then Santa did a count down to lighting it up.   It was such a fun evening!  

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!