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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Birthday Express...


Well, if Christmas isn't hectic enough...we have a little birthday boy a little over a week before it!!  It hasn't been too hard making it special as he has been so young, but I am sure as he gets older, our creativity will have to get wiser!!!

This year, we lucked out and were able to go on the Polar Express train ride.  Brian got up at 7am to stand in line for two hours at a bank in another city, but we got the tickets for a fraction of the cost, and were able to do something really cool for Parker's birthday!!  The ride is a three hour tour consisting of riding on the train to the "North Pole", meeting Santa, singing some carols, and then riding back.  This would be one of those "fun for the kids...not so much for the parents" type of events.  I don't mean to sound all "bah humbug" or anything, but the "idea" of a train ride sounds magical...but essentially we drove for an hour and a half to get on a trian that really just felt like you were just sitting on a bus for an hour, while your kids are wrestless wanting to see Santa...then you get there, and it turns out to be the middle of the forest with some picnic tables, and Santa is sitting at the end.  You wait for 45 minutes in the FREEZING COLD to see the guy, and then re-board the train where you get to sit for another hour, but now said children are tired and cold...and when the train ride is over...you then drive the hour and a half home...

So...who wants to go next year??  Okay, so maybe I didn't paint the prettiest picture, and the good news is that even though our kids realized that it was DEFINATELY NOT the North Pole...they did really enjoy the experience and asked if we would continue to do it every year...("yippee"  she exclaimed sarcastically...)

It really does LOOK fun...see??

The kids on the train...





They all sat on Santa's lap...


The only way to keep a tired baby occupied on a bu....train...



When we got home, I made Parker a cake, and we had a mini party.  I didn't finish the cake until the next day because there was just not time in the day, but he blew out candles and opened presents REGARDLESS!!



We had our family over the day after his birthday, and Papa made him his R4 cake that he requested...what would we do without PAPA??!!  Well, he would just be stuck with his snowman cake that I talked him into...cause I think they are cute...!!!



Well, the moral of the story is...sometimes life is not all about you, it's about your kids...and watch out...if you tell Santa it's your birthday, you may end up with questionable photos....!!!!



4 comments :

Kristi M. said...

So I am a total idiot. I just realized on your giveaway that I am the winner! Am I too late. I recently found out that I am pregnant. That was totally after the giveaway so I am stoked...if you still have it. I don't get sick but with the busy holidays and this new pregnancy, I am exhausted! I am just now getting around to checking blogs. Let me know wha you need if anything.
jkmiller2002 @ yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I feel for ya. We have also been on a train ride that was a lot more fun in our minds than in reality. Good luck with next year. :)

Rose said...

Now I really want to go on the train ride! No, not really...the pictures make it look fun!

Melissa said...

I've been wanting to do the Polar Express for years. We went to Lancaster PA one year and rode on Thomas. Michael was in HEAVEN! :)

Love that last photo with Santa! that is a keeper! :) Is it Gary that makes the cakes? What a fun thing to do for grandkids! Tell him Hi for me.