North Pole Flyer

Just a few more Christmas Activity posts I need to get in...bear with me..... :))

It was the week before Christmas......

And all through the house these kiddos were stirring to get out.....

And take a train ride to the North Pole (ok the poem thing didn't quite last)!

We had our own private car with 30 of our friends (really our own car! It rocked!)!!

The Baby was excited to go on a train ride at night, all dressed in his PJs waiting to meet Santa....

Brody hung out with the girls, hanging his head out the window (note the sign on the wall he clearly did not obey).

These besties had fun in their own private room they discovered - the room was for the dads to play poker in but the kiddos took it over quickly!

The Conductor punched all the kids tickets for the 2 hour excursion.

So many fun activities were planned - storytime with cookies & cocoa.

Santa sat and visited with all the kids for a long time.

This was the year of Santa for Bubba - he just LOVED "Ho,Ho,Ho".

As did the girlies!

All the moms got a quick pic with Santa too!

Mrs. Claus came by with homemade sugar cookies from the North Pole!

So the Dads had to get one with her too!

We have taken Christmas train rides before, but this was by far the best one we have been on.  Obviously, with our own car, it's like we had our own party on wheels - it was relaxed, the kids had a wonderful time, so the adults could visit and enjoy themselves too.  It was nice that it lasted for 2 hours - it was never rushed and we enjoyed all the fun that came with the ride.

It was the perfect evening for family fun!

Two-Two

Brody loves trains - has always loved them - from Thomas to Geo-Trax, from old Steamies' to Amtrak, Brody LOVES trains.  So when Bubba came along, we knew were set for another train-lovin boy.  And boy has he not dissapointed!!

He will play with Geo-Trax and Thomas for hours - loves for his older brother to set tracks up.  Brody gets a little frustrated with him, as his clumsy, almost-2-year-old baby brother tends to knock a lot down, but secretly, I know he loves making them for him.

On a whim last Sunday, we decided to take a trip to a local park where they have this little depot and train running on the weekends.  Let's see what the almost-2-year-old thinks of this:

nervous anticipation....

 He loved most of it - although I couldn't catch a smile from him.......

The engine made fake "puffing" noises that scared the bejeezes out of him - hence the expression on his face and the clutching to mamma in this picture.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a picnic in the park where he followed his big brother around......

 And was able to wave at the train a few more times......

So, he loved it (no doubt that he would) and this family had a perfect spot to celebrate his upcoming birthday!!!

I jumped on Etsy that night and found this adorable invitation thanks to Dimpleprints.

And if I can just do a "plug" for this amazing company - I ordered the "print" on Sunday night and by Tuesday morning, I had my copy emailed to me - she worked with me on the picture (and was so gracious) and by Wednesday night, I had them in hand!  I just printed off 20 at Sam's for less than $5.00.

I loved the fact that I didn't have to go search for paper to make my own, take an hour to figure out the print (I never could have made them this cute anyway).  And I didn't have time to order them online.  It worked beautifully ~ and she has adorable banners, cupcake toppers, and gift tags to match.  Love it!

(BTW- I was not asked to post for Dimpleprints - I just loved the process and wanted to share how great of an experience it was!)