After an eventful Thanksgiving day, we took it easy Friday. I think the boys went to the range, and then that night we had leftovers.We prepped the kids after dinner for Saturday’s events by watching The Polar Express. Saturday, we headed to North Bend to catch the train to see Santa. We had a few families with us who had never been before. We went last year, and Jameson absolutely loved it. We got there way early, so the kids got to run around and check out the tracks.

When we boarded the train, we ended up in an old Army car. At least that’s what we were told, because it had wood benches rather than seats. Later, we found out the car was from 1912. They decorate all the cars, and the conductor got on the mic and sang songs and read “The Night Before Christmas.”  Wonder what their safety regulations were. Ella was so excited, and watched everything out the window.

Jameson was so excited again this year, especially since he had friends. Hi beanie is from last winter and is still big. It doesn’t help that he pulls it down so he can’t see.

Probably my favorite picture of the day…

Ella found a ticket on the ground and insisted on holding it the entire time.

While we waited in line, there was a coloring and activity table. Ella thoroughly enjoyed it while Jameson looked at other things.

We got to Santa’s lap and Jameson was ready to tell him everything. It took a minute before he thought it was ok to sit there, but Ella was in no way having it. Santa asked Jameson what he wanted, and a list of items came out that included a large 4Runner, an 11Runner (that’s what they call his friend’s van), a transform gun, and who know what else. I gave up. Even Santa didn’t know what to say. Kevin tried to take some pictures, but they didn’t turn out so well. He tried, though.

On the way out, we got stopped by the authorities. Just kidding. But he did have a complete costume. Kev asked where he got it, and he said Goodwill or something, but in the 70s. I guess that’s how long he’s been working the train.

After seeing Santa, it was only appropriate to get some hot chocolate and cookies. Oh, and Santa gave out tops this year. Last year it was more pieces to a wooden train, but this year it was tops. They were nice tops, to his credit. Once we got our hot chocolate and cookies, the kids got to run around ,and play on some of the trains.

The hot chocolate was not very good. Last year, it was delicious, so I don’t know what happened this year. My cookies were burned, but the other kind was just fine. I just picked the wrong batch. They had an engine that the kids could play in.

We tried to take a family picture for our Christmas card. The kids were not cooperating.

See what I mean? Not cooperating.

They had a few more minutes to play, and then it was time to board the train for the 3 mile/ 20 minute ride back.

As the train was getting ready to leave, Santa came on board and gave all the kids a candy cane. He didn’t do that last year, so I’m wondering if it was because we were the last train of the day.

Isn’t he a cool Santa. I think he does a great job. We had so much fun, and can’t wait to do it again next year. It just gets better as the kids get a little older.