The Polar Express

The main reason for our trip Arizona was to journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express!!!

We got our tickets and then patiently waited for the train to arrive:



I was really excited, and so was Sade:



To pass the time Sade and Jackson performed numerous rousing renditions of Jingle Bells. These were their "Hey!" poses. As in,"Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh. Hey!"



Posin' with an elf:



Soon the Polar Express arrived:



Boarding:



On the train:



Going through the magic tunnel that takes us to the North Pole:



(You are instructed to throw your hands in the air, scream, and act like you are riding a roller coaster.)

It's great!

While on our journey we had cookies and hot chocolate:



Soon after drinking her hot chocolate Megan had some sort of medical emergency. Her eyes started watering, she could barely talk and she said her throat felt like it was on fire. I was convinced we were going to have to have them stop the train, call a helicopter and take her to the hospital. (Can you imagine how much it would cost to take a helicopter from the North Pole?!) She downed approximately 3 cups of water and then fully recovered about 10 minutes later. Thank goodness! The whole thing was bizarre.

Finally feeling better she was fully able to interact with the cooks on the train:



They are fun and entertaining.

Finally our 3,000+ mile journey was complete. We had arrived at the NORTH POLE, and found Santa waving to us through our window. It was thrilling! And then to make matters even more exciting he boarded the train!!!



He stopped to talk with us and told the kids that they needed to make sure they went to sleep early on Christmas Eve, because his magic works better if they are sleeping and he is able to leave more presents:



Do you think I look excited enough?:



He also gave each of the kids their own silver bell.



Megan said she couldn't hear anything, and Jackson said he doesn't think the sound is the most beautiful sound in the world (which are references you will understand if you have read the book). Cynics!

On the way back from the North Pole we were treated to rousing renditions of Christmas Carols:



We were back to the station after about 1 1/2 hours. That Polar Express has some powerful magic!



I'm so glad we went, and totally recommend it.

(If you haven't been, go next year! But make sure you book early as it sells out fast.)

(And....don't take the 3:00 matinee train. Sure it is cheaper, but there is no snow at the North Pole, which would be glaringly obvious is you were going during daylight hours!)

(And.....Wear your pajamas. We didn't. Which was way lame!)

Comparison

9 weeks old:

22 weeks old:



What a difference 3 months can make.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

After a bit of leaf playing (see post below) we headed over to Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff. I love a National Monument and this one did not disappoint!

Todd & Mallory (my brother and sister-in-law) came from Phoenix to spend the day with us:



The monument showcases ancient cliff dwellings:



My favorite monument is still Montezuma Castle, but this one was cool as you could actually go inside and explore some of the ancient cave dwellings.

We ended up taking the Island Trail which descends 185 vertical feet! It was easy going down, but coming back up was quite the challenge:



Cave dwelling pics:



Todd going native:




Enjoyable afternoon.

Turning Over A New Leaf

It appears I may be slightly obsessed with taking pictures of my kids playing in leaves? Not only do I have quite a few from our foray to Floyd Lamb, but it seems I also took scads while we were in Flagstaff this weekend.

Anyway.......Upon awakening on our first full day in Arizona we headed outside to enjoy the cool but mild weather in Flagstaff. There was an awesome area with thousands of leaves right next to our hotel.

Lots of leaf jumping, leaf burying, and leaf tossing took place:



Meg and Tuck (who was not all that fond of having leaves thrown on him):



Sade ended up with cute leaf hair accessories:



Of course there was also time for a little football.



In related good news, Jackson informed us that he does not find football as boring as he used to. Apparently he didn't really understand the rules all that well (parenting fail), but now that he does he enjoys it.

I'm happy for Eric.

Lucky #13

Today is my 13th wedding anniversary.

I was really, really, REALLY in love on my wedding day.

 Like really.

I lived in a state of euphoria.

And then I was married for a few years.

And then I became really, really, really, REALLY in love.

Like really.

(Is this nauseating?)

Anyway.......I have extolled Eric's amazing virtues many times, and am going to do it again.

This time with a list of 13 things (for our 13th anniversary!) that I appreciate and observations that I made about Eric on our mini 2 day vacation this past weekend.

1. We first traveled to Flagstaff, AZ where Eric had a job to complete. We didn't end up getting into town until 9 pm, at which time Eric left our hotel, drove to another hotel, and worked for 4 hours. Without complaint.

2. On his way back to our hotel, at 1am, he stopped to get gas and noticed someone who was carrying a gas can. Although I am sure he was tired and anxious to get back to the hotel, he of course asked them if he could help.

3. The next morning at 7 am Tucker awoke and needed to go out to the bathroom. Eric got right up to take him out (Before leaving town I did inform Eric that he was going to have to do this, as I was worried I would freeze to death if I had to step foot outside in the early morning.)

4. After taking the kids to breakfast and getting ready he went to a big field with the kids to play in the leaves. And when I say play I mean he really plays! Jumps in the leaves, buries the kids, buries himself, etc...




5. Soon he noticed a little girl looking longingly at the leaves. Right away he invited her to play too.



6. The girls older brother didn't want to play in the leaves, and at one point told his sister (in a rather angry voice), "Don't you know I only like football!" Without missing a beat Eric turned right around and started playing catch with him.



7. He checked into both hotels for us. A task I am loathe to do.

8. He took care of all car related tasks. Getting gas, putting air in low tires, etc.

9. He also loaded and unloaded the car, expertly, a total of 6 times over 2 days. Without help.

10. He winked at me (I really love a wink across a table) and danced with me in our hotel room.

11. While taking the train to the North Pole (post forthcoming) he sang every single Christmas song loudly, and often with actions. I love it when we can embarrass Megan together!

12. While hiking, Tucker had an unfortunate incident with a bush which required him to be held the entire way. This was a long hike. Uphill. I attempted to carry him, but couldn't. Luckily Eric stepped right in and saved the hike. Men are just plain great.



13. In closing....He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am eternally grateful.