Polar Express

This year, as a surprise, I decided to book tickets for us on the local steam train called the "Heber Creeper" in Wasatch County when it turns from the plain, old Heber Creeper into the Polar Express! We got VIP tickets and were seated in the first car. Lots of kids wore pajamas (Trace did not) and brought blankets (Trace did) as we boarded the train for our Christmas adventure to the North Pole! The ride started when it was nearly dark, but as we headed out of town, we could see other kids in their backyards waving and laughing at us inside the train. So fun! We planned to be really cold as the train cars are not climate controlled, but it was such a warm night, we actually ended up opening the window for a bit so we could get a bit of fresh air as the train zoomed into the darkness. On our train car there was several "elves" that were singing and dancing with all the kids on the train and we got to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as the train rumbled on. Before we knew it, we looked out the window and saw little buildings and a sign saying "Welcome to the North Pole!" and even a big jolly fellow standing on a platform and waving. It was Santa! Santa came aboard our train and rode with us back into town. He took the time to take pictures with each of the kids and their parents and was so patient with all the requests of the children. When it was Trace's turn to talk to Santa, he told him that he wanted a "Lego Coastguard Boat". Santa replied by saying; "Lego's! My shop is lousy with Lego's. We have so many of them, we're giving them away." Yuck, yuck. Who knew Santa was a comedian too? Santa gave us all a reindeer bell to put on our tree and a hot chocolate mug to bring home! The most memorable part of the evening for me was after Santa had talked with Trace, we took a family photo and I was watching Trace watching Santa make his way to the rest of the children in the train car. Trace looked at me and said; "Mom, I wonder what Santa's childhood was like. Do you think he was happy? I don't suppose there was anyone to bring him presents, right?" What little child thinks of that? How sweet! I don't think I ever thought about Santa as a child, what a loving thing to say and think! Just another example of how Trace is a special boy.