The Polar Express

Last Tuesday we went to Hood River to ride the Polar Express. The Hood River Railroad puts on this adventure to the North Pole every year. This year, our good friend Bret treated us to the ultimate train ride. We had a great time!

The girls slept all the way to Portland and needed to move a little before we got to Hood River. Multnomah Falls was the perfect stop. So pretty!

Daddy and his girls head for the gift shop. We shopped for a grand total of two seconds. I took one look around at all the fragile souvenirs and said, "No good can come of us being in here. Let's go."
Boarding the train with Bret and his friend Kate.
Waiting to ride. To be honest, I expected the magic of the animated movie. I'd hoped to be greeted by polite, but stern Tom Hanks. We were not. I'd hoped the train would smell of hot chocolate and peppermint sticks. It smelled a little more like a Greyhound bus. We all cracked up at the "magic" of it all, but kept it to ourselves because the girls (especially Libby) were loving it. For them it was absolutely the Polar Express. For us, it was a little more Planes, Trains and Automobiles.... We laughed through the caroling and agreed we'd talk about this little adventure for a long time.
Waiting for the conductor to punch their tickets...

Peyton watches as the conductor punches her ticket, while Libby inspects his handiwork in the background.
Hot chocolate!
Slowing down as we approach the North Pole....
There was a collective cheer about our car as Santa boarded the train. Then, he went seat by seat to find out what each child wanted for Christmas. After talking to each child he gifted them with a bell. Libby and Peyton wait and watch....
When he asked Libby what she wanted for Christmas she had a total Christmas Story moment. She froze. Just stood and stared. He suggested she might like Dora and Barbie, and Libby agreed. Now if you ask her what she wants it's all about Dora and Barbie. Thanks a lot, Jolly Man. Notice the death grip Peyton has on my arm.
"Dude. I totally just saw Santa."
Libby was happy to be carried off of the train by Kate. Here they say goodbye to Santa.
Playtime at Bret's house!
Working with Daddy on his snowboard.
Next morning breakfast.... Doughnut holes!
We ended Wednesday at the doctor's office for Libby's three year check up. She's doing great, and she's on track to be taller than her mama.
Waiting, waiting, waiting....