The Polar Express!!!

We're back from our weekend in the mountains. The girls got to skip school on Friday so that we could head up to the North Carolina Mountains to ride The Polar Express. I got up early to pack-- that was supposed to happen Thursday night, but as usual it didn't. We ended up leaving a little later than planned, but we still made it in time to go up to the cabin to unwind before the train ride. Fortunately, I dosed the girls with Dramamine before we left, so no one got sick--last year the 3 hour drive took 5, because Little A vomited the entire drive through the mountains.

The cabin where we stayed is in a group of cabins called "Hidden Hills"-- our cabin was called "Hummingbird Hill". Here is the web link: http://www.carolinamountainvacations.com/cath.asp
It is very cozy little cabin nestled high on a mountain side. The drive to get up to the cabin is a little scary, but it is worth it. Unfortunately the cabin is VERY small-- it was a very tight fit for the nine of us. Next year we will have to get a bigger cabin for sure. But, it is a very peaceful place-- guests are greeted by a big old yellow lab named "Bogart". In the morning you can sit on the porch and hear roosters in the distance, and at night you here all sorts of spooky "wild animal" sounds. It would have been very restful and peaceful if thee weren't 6 kids running around all over the place! :)

After we washed up and stretched our legs, we all made the trek down the mountain to Bryson City to ride the train. We ate a quick bite of Pizza next to the train station before boarding. Then we were off to ride the "Polar Express". The girls had a good time. Little A was VERY excited. Big A was more subdued-- I think she was trying to act more like the teenagers. ( last night she told me she was too old to get excited about Santa Claus! I couldn't believe it she's only 4 years old!!! I told her that she needed to remember that Santa Claus only visits children who are excited about Christmas and truly believe in him. I told her that the reason Santa does not come see teenagers is because they have the attitude they are too old for Santa. I told her that she better enjoy being a child while she can--it may seem like being a "grown up" is a great thing, but when she grows up she will miss her childhood. I reminded her that Santa Claus knows everything about her-- he can tell if she truly believes in the spirit of Christmas--if she doesn't, he may not come. I hope that works. Kids try to grow up too fast these days... I do not like it.)

The train ride is pretty cool. On the way to the "North Pole" the waiters (dressed like in the movie) serve hot chocolate and chocolate covered marshmallow Santas. They read the Polar Express book to all the children while they eat their treats. Then the train pulls into the "North Pole" to pick up Santa Claus. All the houses are decorated with beautiful lights. I heard Big A telling Little A that they were gingerbread houses with glowing candy decorations--I hope she really believed that. (Last year Big A asked me why there was no snow if it was the North Pole--that kid thinks too much!) On they way back everyone sings Christmas Carols while waiting on Santa to visit each car. When he got to our car, Little A jumped up and down and kept saying "Gora Mermaid!" (Just trying to remind Santa that she wants the Dora Mermaid doll!) Santa signed all the children's Polar Express books, and spoke to each child-- he also gave each child a little jingle bell. After Santa left our car-- the waiters lead us all in singing more Christmas Carols-- very badly, I might add. The entire trip takes about 1 1/2 hours. I think the girls had a pretty good time, I did, too.

The Polar Express

Little A and Big A Enjoying The Ride

Erika And Her Little Ones

Cam and Chrissy Hamming It Up

(Erika's Teenagers!--we are so old!)

Big A Posing




Little A Trying To Hide From The Camera

Got Her!!

Big A and Theresa Singing

Santa Claus Signing Big A's Book

Shopping The Next Day

We all went shopping at Cherokee on Saturday morning. Then we watched the Bryson City Christmas parade in the afternoon. It was a very long and tiring day, but all in all pretty fun. Saturday night we cooked out and hung around the cabin... All in all a good weekend-- although I can't say it was a restful one. It never is with kids! :)