the Polar Express

Last weekend we took Layla up to Williams Arizona to ride the Polar Express. We weren't sure if Layla would be old enough to understand what was going on but boy were we wrong. She had pure joy on her face the entire time we were there. We rented the movie on Thanksgiving so she would know what to expect. Of course she wanted to watch the movie again on the way up there (and the way home too!). Layla fell asleep on the drive and woke up just as we got into Williams. It was snowing and she was convinced we were at the North Pole. It was so freezing cold I thought we were there too!!

Layla got a chance to visit with Mrs. Claus. She walked right up to her and started rattling off her Christmas list...."my want a scooter, a zhu zhu pet, a dollhouse...."

Then we wrote a letter to Santa and put it in the mailbox
Lots of beautiful Christmas lights
And trains of course!
After dinner we dressed Layla in her Christmas jammies (then bundled up) and were off to catch the train

On the train we had yummy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies baked by Mrs. Claus
We read the story of the Polar Express while we rode to the north pole to see Santa. He came on the train and gave Layla her very own bell. Then we sang Christmas carols the whole way back to the hotel.

I thought Layla would crash once we got back to our room but she was so wired. It took her forever to fall asleep. She kept talking about all of the fun she had.
Such a fun tradition that we hope to continue!