Polar Express

Well, it's true...we went for a ride on the Polar Express and made it ALL the way to the North Pole! The Grand Canyon Railway did a really nice job of making the experience as true to the story as possible. We boarded the train (kids in their jammies), were given hot chocolate and a cookie to eat on our way to the North Pole. We went through the magic tunnel - which takes us at light speed to the North Pole. Once at the North Pole, we saw a lighted Santa's workshop, Santa and Bernard. Then the train turned around and as we drove back by Santa's workshop, Bernard was standing there - but Santa was not! Where did he go?!!? Well, he was on board the train. He came through and gave each child a bell. We sang Christmas carols all the way back to the station.

Parent verdict: Long drive, short train ride, lots of people - probably our only trip to the North Pole.

Kids verdict: LOVED the North Pole, loved seeing Santa again, loved playing in the snow...the long drive didn't bother them. They'd probably like to see the North Pole again - especially if we went with their friends again.

Here are a few pics.