Holiday Express

Well, yesterday, we ventured to my brother and sister-in-law's town to go to the Holiday Express. It opened at 4 pm, so we got to their house around 3:30 and followed her there. Good thing we got there when we did. There was already a line. A LONG ONE!

Luckily, the kids were patient as we waited and waited and waited. Now, as most of you know, Max lives for anything train related. So, this was
one time he didn't mind waiting. Both kids were very patient. We played ring around the rosie until Cate had enough grass on her rear to feed a small cow! As the line got closer to an open area, the kids just ran around and played. Darcy and I just kept the place in line. Around 5 pm we were close. Yep, one hour in line with three kids under five with zero meltdowns! Darcy and I were pretty darn impressed. And after waiting all that time, were thankful for such mild
weather conditions - mid 60s.

As we got closer to the entrance of the train, we were greeted by elves that explained the rules of the train...take as many pictures as we want, but only one picture with Santa per group as to keep the line moving! After spending that hour in line and seeing behind us that that line had pretty much tripled since we got there, we totally understood. So, we boarded the Holiday Express at the caboose all with the help of Santa's friendly elves! And there he was, the big guy in the red suit ready to greet us! Max could hardly contain his excitement! I mean, what more could the kid ask for...his favorite thing, trains, and Santa himself!!! Now, Cate was not a huge fan and was clutching to my neck for dear life, so only Max got in the picture with Santa.

The train was filled Santa collectible dolls, which Max said were "Santa's toys when he was a little boy"! There were also model trains throughout the train. There was also the exact replica of the train we were on! Max was fascinated of course, but so was Cate! She kept pointing and going "Choo-Chooooo" in her little high pitched voice. They went around next to us, and at times, you walked up little ramps and the trains went underneath you. It was very well done.

Toward the end, they handed each child a goodie bag with a coloring book, a toy, colors, and candy!

Once we were helped down by more of Santa's helpers, we were given a brochure about the train and given a train keychain, which Max thought was the coolest thing of all! By the time we got through the entire exhibit, it had gotten darker and the lights on the train were all lit up! It was a great time and we were thankful to Aunt Darcy for inviting us!