Bucket List: Christmas Train Ride

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a "Santa Express" train ride for Family Home Evening. We invited G-Ma and G-Pa to join in the fun.

We enjoyed a nice dinner out before the train ride. It was fun to sit and talk while we feasted on our Chicken Fried Steak. We figured as long as we were out celebrating, we might as well throw caution to the wind and go for the deep fried gold.

The kids enjoyed some loves in the Depot before the fun began.

We sang carols with Santa's Helpers as we waited to board the train.

A very creepy (and might I add, eyeless) Frosty the Snowman joined us 

as we waited.

He really liked Grandpa and didn't hesitate to rest his carrot on his shoulder.

We boarded the train and eventually took off...for approximately 50 yards. The train then stopped and the elves passed out cookies and cocoa. We got a good laugh out of it...wondering if that was the complete train ride :)

Grandma started scooting in her seat, trying to make the train roll forward.

While we were parked, for what felt like an eternity, we had a little fun with the camera.

A train full of children can get stinky. Children lack that crucial fear of humiliation and they are able to pass gas without fear. Sad, stinky, and true.

One thing that I admire about Tom is how proactive he is about protecting his groin.Since the kids were teeny tiny, he would walk through the door, after work, with his hand covering his groin. He knew there would be stampeding children, flailing arms, and HUGE heads of children - 

just waiting to act as a battering ram.

This fear has stayed with him over the years and he can always be found protecting himself.

I was laughing about it to myself as I took this picture.

I laughed harder, when my fast shutter speed captured what happened next.

You are a wise man, Tommy T.

The train began to move again and took us through some lovely scenery of a chicken butchering plant. The sides of the plant were open and you could see cages stacked to the ceiling - chickens squawking and stinking - begging with their eyes for us to set them free.

It was pretty gross. Karah said, "And THAT'S why I want to be a vegetarian."

We laughed most of the train ride...but settled ourselves when Santa made his rounds.

Bradley's eyes "glowed" in delight. Sorry - couldn't resist.

He asked Santa for a Nintendo 3DS.

Bryce whispered his request to Santa.

He told Santa he wanted a "Cole" Ninjago vehicle.

He later amended his request to a Williams Sonoma snow cone Machine.

Karah told Santa, "Surprise Me!". He promised he would.

I love my mom's face in this picture. Joy,

Frosty made his rounds. He stared at everyone...even though he didn't have eyes, he still glared at everyone. It was frightening. 

Later, a guy came walking down the aisle and I told Tom that I KNEW it was the guy 

who had been in the Frosty the Snowman costume.

 He asked how I knew and I told him I JUST KNEW. I could FEEL the same creepy vibe. 

I stopped the guy and asked him and as it turns out .... IT WAS HIM!

I think I preferred him with the costume on....without eyes. 

Yikes.

I can't end this post with a picture of him...so I will throw in a 

few more happy shots.

Let's end this on a good note...not a bad dreams note.

It was a magical night for the kids and a great time spent as a family.

Minus the freaks and stinks...it was everything we hoped it would be.

Merry Christmas, Bear Cubs.