All Aboard!

Polar Express-- an event hosted by our local library with 14 stops and stations. The snowman toss, refreshment cart, model train, cookie decorating, and more.

Thankfully I was able to "snag" tickets to this limited capacity event for our first year in attendance. The boys woke up to red tickets peeking out of their stockings informing them of the event -- the time, location, and an invitation to wear pajamas "if you would like".

Excitement buzzed through the house all afternoon. Babyboy didn't nap.
"Choo Choo party tonight!"

At 6:21 Oldest and Middleson bounced at the door ready to depart fully clothed, but pajamaless. Middleson sported a mohawk, fully-gelled, and standing tall. Babyboy obediently wore his Thomas the Train pajamas.

My Oldest was one of the oldest in attendance. A strange feeling overcame me when I realized he is outgrowing this type of event.

It brought me great pleasure to watch the boys interact with the puppet show, sing songs, and anticpate each step on the journey. Oldest was pure child last night without a mingling of the pre-teen years. He giggled and laughed and ran from station to station. I received the gift of going back in time. I got to experience Oldest as a little boy again.

Babyboy missed most of the train stops due to his fascination with the electric train. He ran back and forth as it went around the track never tiring of its motion.

Middleson was distracted only by the opportunity to meet a friend and tell someone about Jesus. He is Mr. friendly and outgoing always looking for an opportunity to "sneak" Jesus into a conversation.

Our evening was idyllic. The kind you dream about in your mind but it rarely lives up to your own expecations. Just innocent, child-like, non-media, free fun, that produced old-fashioned, life-long memories. I will ride this train of memories for a long, long time.

Chugga, chugga, choo choooooo.