Our friends/neighbors, The Schmidts, invited us on there anual trip to Williams, Arizona to hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, Polar Express ride. Even though Mabel doesn't watch TV, let alone entire movies, we thought it would be a fun holiday activity for our family.
It was just what we needed to get into the Holiday spirit. The departure time was 7:30 pm and we arrived about a half of an hour prior to. The train depot was decorated to the nines with lights on every surface. There were families and children everywhere. It was around 15 degrees so we were quite shocked when we got out of the car and that is why I have zero pictures of how beautifuly festive everything looked. Next year.
We met our friends and took our seats aboard the train. Mabel looked so cute in her Christmas jammies! Immediately we were greeted by "Chefs" who passed out cookies and hot chocolate.
Mabel was thrilled she was allowed to eat a Sugar cookie the size of her head. Though I think more of it ended up on our seat than in her tummy.
Then began the story which I don't think we really paid much attention to. Next year. Mabel hopped from seat to seat getting passed around as we made our way to the "North Pole".
The smallest of the Schmidt family, Jayden, who would turn 5 years old 2 days later was the most excited of the group. That girls holiday spirit ranks of the highest I have ever seen.
Mabel loves Jayden so much she could eat her, literally.
The Schmidt family, our lovely neighbors and friends.
Sam and I also really enjoyed ourselves. Most of the other parents on the train were wearing
Christmas pajamas, just as the children, we didn't get the memo. Next year.
And finally, the man of the hour arrived.
To our surprise Mabel was happy to see Santa. We had a previous run in a few days prior and she had a nervous breakdown, so badly that I didn't even attempt to take a photo. I think it best we count this run in with Saint Nick as the 1st.
He gave Mabel a sleigh bell which we brought home and tied a red ribbon through for safe keeping.
