The Polar Express

Arrival at the Train Station


The North Pole City

Mom and Dad

Grace and Sarah

Analiese and Matthew

Look Santa!

Gather around and listen

Tell me again what you want...

Ballet Pointe shoes...

I love you, Santa!


We took a ride on the Polar Express courtesy of the Tennessee Valley Railroad. The drive up there wasn't very long but it rained the entire way--not very Christmassy! The kids didn't care, they chatted all about the adventure and told Matthew what to expect.

We got there just as the train was loading and jumped aboard. No sooner did we begin and the snacks were served. Unfortunately, and to the kids disappointment, we didn't get hot chocolate but Yoohoo chocolate drink--Yuck, Yuck and double Yuck! The gingerbread cookie was tasty but I didn't attempt the drink.

The magic tunnel took us very quickly to the North Pole where Santa and his elves were busy loading the storage cars with all of the toys that were going to be loaded onto the sleigh. Santa boarded the train and spent time with each child.

I must say, this Santa was awesome. He immediately put Analiese on his lap and pulled the other kids around him. The kids all told him what they wanted and when I told Santa that Matthew was having a hard time following the rules at home, Santa had a WONDERFUL answer. He gathered the children close to him and told them that if they followed 3 basic rules; never say or do anything that could hurt another's feelings, never lie and always listen to the adults (parents, teachers and other important people), they would find all that they wanted under the Christmas tree. BUT, each time they broke one of those rules they would lose one item. And the item that went first was the item they wanted the MOST! I was really impressed and have reminded the children several times of what Santa said!

The remainder of the trip we sang songs and the kids did a small parade when Mrs. Claus boarded the train. Overall this trip was not as magical or as fun as was the one in Bryson, North Carolina. But, the kids enjoyed themselves and that's all that really matters. Sadly, I think this might be our last journey to the North Pole.