Saturday, we headed over to North Bend to catch the Santa Train. It happened to be freezing that day, literally. There was frost covering the car, lawn, and all the houses outside. We bundled up, and got in the car for our 30 minute drive to North Bend. We got there early, which was good, because parking was a mess. We ended up parking in a dentist parking lot close by (remember for next year). At 11:00 am we boarded the the train. Jameson held his ticket so tight, and made sure the conductor saw his ticket.

You see, the night before, Kevin had to work late. Jameson asked if he could stay awake until his daddy got home. Sure. Why not? So we turned on “The Polar Express” movie. He payed close attention to the train, the whistle, how to stop the train, and that you always need your ticket. He also noted that when you take the train, it goes to the North Pole to visit Santa. I only told him 2 nights in advance we would be going on the train. Since time is not a concept that he understands yet, I didn’t want him asking every day. It couldn’t have worked out better to watch the movie, and then ride the train.

So we boarded the train, and found some seats. The kids could hardly sit down, they were so excited. Jameson kept his eye out for the “Cun-duck-door” as he pronounces it. He tried so hard to be clear, but it is a very big word. He held his ticket for the full 3 miles, 20 minute ride.

Ella, fell asleep on the way to the train, but did not get a full nap in. She didn’t know quite what to think about things.

Our conductor on the way there was Mr. Bells. He had bells attached to his hat, and some to shake. He started us off with a song of the only appropriate, “Jingle Bells” and then after the song, went on to the next car. Jameson wasn’t so sure about him. He did not have the same “conductor uniform” as the guy in the movie did.

Ella did play close attention to the singing, though. I can’t wait to see what talents she has.

Once we arrived, we headed for the refreshment cars. There was a kitchen car that served hot chocolate and cookies. The made the cookies with an old stove that looked like it came with the original car it was in. The cookies were a little hard, but still delicious. I asked the kids for picture before we entered, and Jameson decided to be silly. The girls appreciated it. Me? Not so much.

It was smart to get our snacks before, so we could eat them while we waited in line. It wasn’t smart, though, because we were then the last one’s in line. I had Ella in her carrier, and she kept going after my hot chocolate, which was more like “luke warm” chocolate. She really does try to eat everything. So after going for my cup a few times with her mouth wide open and her tongue sticking out, I gave her a taste.

She can’t resist chocolate, and neither can her mom.

After waiting for a long time, the kids got to go in and meet Santa. He had his own room, and they would let one group in at a time, so you had your own personal time with Santa. He was an awesome Santa Clause. I wasn’t sure how Jameson would respond. He’s never been to “see” Santa. His first Christmas, he was only 1 month old, and I was not going to wait in a huge line for that. The next year, we never got around to it. Last year, I tried. We were at a mall that is not busy at all, and the Santa had no one around him. Jameson would go look at him, but not talk to him. We went to see him a few times, and the closest Jameson got was standing next to him. I’m glad I never pushed it, because this year Jameson went and sat on his lap by himself. Santa asked his name and how old he was. Jameson responded with correct answers. (Pretty good since he just had a birthday and that can be confusing.) Then he asked the ever important question, “What do you want for Christmas, Jameson?” A quick response came with, “Toy Story 3.” Santa looked at me, and I gave him “the nod” of ok. He said he would work on it. He then asked him if he was a good big brother, and they chatted for a minute. Ella just stared the entire time.

By Toy Story 3, Jameson means the action figures he doesn’t have. He has the movie, and got more than enough related toys for his birthday, but he still has a few to make his set complete. On our shopping adventure on Black Friday, I got a set that includes who he needs, plus some other individuals. He should be happy.

If you look at Jameson’s hands in this picture, he’s trying to tell Santa how old he is. He start out by holding up 2 fingers but then changes to 3.  I think Ella was wondering if she could pull his beard.

The kids were given a toy as they left. This year it was a train car. The last 2 years, kids received the engine, and the caboose. Those were for sale in the gift shop, but we’ll see what happens next year. We got out, and boarded our train to head back. Ella was glad she was free of being strapped to me.

And just so you know I was there, here I am giving direction to do something, while Kevin is trying to take a picture of our cute Ella.

I can’t wait to do this with the kids next year. I don’t know if I want to go when it’s dark, and everything is lit up, or in the day again, so the kids can see everything. Either way, it was way better than waiting in line at the mall and paying a ton of money for a picture with Santa.