Polar Express!

We were so happy to have the opportunity to visit the North Pole via the Polar Express in French Lick, IN. It was a great time for all of us, and just another example of how magical the Season is for us this year. We were able to go with dear friends, which made the time even more special – Lyla especially loved seeing the whole thing with her good friends Liam & Lily. There’s nothing like putting your Christmas pajamas on and heading north.

 

Of course, Cade was excited about it too: 

After lunch and a couple (or more) potty breaks, we boarded the train. I’m so proud to say that Lyla made it through the whole experience with NO accidents. She did a great job!

The Alvey’s:

More Alvey’s:

Cade loved charming a couple of elves:

Lyla was a little unsure what she thought about our elf:

And, his preoccupation with Christmas lights is the reason the Hottman family tree looks a little sad this year, decorated only halfway up with shatterproof ornaments and jute rope. He is a one man destroyer. Really. 

 

 

Lyla and Cade loved the train ride:

 

The highlight of the train ride (if you don’t count our elf’s singing, dancing and hot chocolate) was a visit from Santa himself.

Cade went right to him – you can’t see Lyla in the photo, but she’s standing to the side explaining that she wants Stomp Shoes and a jump rope for Christmas. She’s very serious about them both, and has repeatedly told us that’s ALL she wants. We laugh at that – Lance says he’s sure it’s in stark contrast to what she’ll be saying when she’s 14.

 

At the end of the ride, we tried to get the kids together for one photo, but it didn’t quite work out.

Somehow, Lyla’s face was hurt, and she was very unhappy about it.

So, this is as close as we got. We took this as our sign to head home.

The kids fell asleep in the car, were transferred from their seats to their beds when we got home, and we never heard from them again until morning.

They had a magical night. We all did.