This past weekend will go down as a favorite in the Jackson family history. We took off Friday afternoon and drove up to the Polar Express. We miraculously made the train as we got out a little later than planned, and arrived without a minute to spare- but that made it "just like the movie" as the kid has to run to catch the train on the movie and we had to do the same. Once we were all aboard, the wonderful elves danced down the aisles passing out hot chocolate and cookies. Then they read the beloved book. James was bursting with excitement. He kept saying "WOW, WOW, WOW!" about everything, and after every sip of hot chocolate he would nod his head and exclaim, "mmmmm-nummy!" then drink some more. We got to the "north pole" and saw Santa and his elf through the windows, then Santa boarded the train. While we were waiting for him to make his way into out cart, the elves told us we had to "believe" that Santa would come and so all the kids had to close their eyes and whisper "I believe." Then when Santa didn't appear the kids all started chanting "Santa, Santa, Santa" over and over and louder and louder and then HALLELUJAH the jolly old fat man appeared and made his way down the aisle handing out bells from his sleigh. He talked to the kids for a minute and asked Kylie if she liked having "all those brothers." She nodded her head.(I think mostly out of fear that if she said no that he wouldn't give her that prized bell.) After he made his way through and waved goodbye it was time for some Christmas Caroling. We sang and danced all the way back to the train station. Once we left, the boys fell asleep within 5 minutes after getting buckled back in the car. And I am willing to bet they had some pretty sweet dreams.
I have to say, I got a little teary-eyed after this little ride, not cuz I am some bawl-baby, but seeing how excited the kids were and their savoring of every little detail, and the wonder and magicalness of it all, well it was just very sweet and special and I just loved watching the expressions on their faces and the look in their eyes. I love the moments and special times like these. It makes me really thankful that I get to be a mom and be in this particular stage of my kids life, as it is just so magical. What a way to kick off the Holidays- Thanksgiving, Christmas, New-Years here we come!
7 comments:
I can almost picture the wonder in their eyes. What a fun memory!
Kimmy, That is awesome! What a "magical" trip! I'm sure your kids will remember it for a very long time! It looks like a lot of fun! I love your pictures! Your kids are at fun ages! Welcome back from the North Pole!
It sounds so nice...:) Such cute pictures!
I told Riley to ask Kylie about seeing Santa.
I love it, that sounds like one of those times you just get wrapped up in the magic and pretend he really is real(if only). I actually cried yesterday because there was this comercial on about waiting for Santa and the kids being so excited. I cried becasue this is the first year that Skyler knows. It isn't the same now that he isn't wrapped up in the magic of it all. It is just so sad because I see how sad he is about the whole deal now. I am trying to make it fun and special for him too, but take away the jolly fat man ='s taking away the fun. Anyways don't ever let your kids read this comment or I will be the bad guy who ruins their childhood.I wish I would have known last year that it would be his last year not knowing, I would have treasured it a lot more. Ok now that I completely depressed myself and prob. half your readers, I will end by saying how much I love the picture of T looking out the window with the twinkle in his eye and his cute grin with the missing tooth.
What an awesome memory! That sounds like a wonderful tradition to make!
That looks sooooo fun! Someday we will finally do that!
Man, we need to do that while all our children still believe. :)
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