ALL ABOARD!!!

I ADORE The Polar Express ever since my second grade teacher read it to my class I was head over heals. It's a beautiful story. When I was fresh out of college and living in New York I got to see the movie in 3D Imax, it was a huge deal back then. The snow, the train careening across the ice, it was all breath taking. I worked for Santa at Macy's 34th street that holiday season and they played The Polar Express soundtrack pretty often. I loved that music and it became forever tied to those wonderful weeks working for Santa, in my memory.

Needless to say, when my father-in-law acquired the Polar Express train and invited us over to play with it and watch the movie I was super excited. My kiddos grow up into between each visit to the rails.

2009

It was more for Isaac's benefit back then, but Riley liked the light and movement.

2010

By this year Riley was 18 months old and had the most adorable indignation about the train. She chased it and yelling and gesturing. I think this was the year Grandpa let Isaac drive the train too. So much growing up that year.

2011

We took a year off from the trains for a trip to Ice & Snow! My amazing father-in-law invited us to an amazing adventure with snow, ice sculptures and ice slides! We had a blast. Isn't Roo's tiny (s)no(w)man adorable?

2012

By 2012 it was my turn to grow up or at least that's how it felt. This was the year they brought the polar express to our house. I put out appetizers in my Christmas apron, Mike made the grown ups chicken bryan and the kids wore jammies. It felt so grown up to host my in-laws. This was the first year Riley remembered the previous train night. We enjoyed Polar Express in 3D, talk about warm fuzzy memories! Isaac was a much...more careful engineer too.

2013

This was the year Isaac got his own train! Here's the story of Isaac's train, it's a good one. It was the second year in a row Roo informed me which pajamas she was saving for train night because by now it was an important event in her life. The train was beautiful all set up around our tree. I love the idea of all the happy childhood memories a passed down toy has already been a part of before we start making our own. Can you tell I cry after all the Toy Story movies?

2014

This year we were back at Grandpa's for train night. He remarked how Isaac has matured and is a lot more trustworthy on the train controls. I think Riley will be ready to try her hand by next year. On the flip side Isaac was far to cool to observe the traditional Hot Chocolate song dance break. What can you do? They just keep growing.

What Exactly is Your Persuasion on the Big Man?

I was absolutely correct about last year being my last chance for a picture of both kids with Santa. I was prepared so I didn't even flinch when Isaac opted out this year. I know the magic isn't completely gone for him, but it's not cool to take Santa photos when you're a twelve year old boy. He still fretted about being on the nice list when his yearly video message from Santa arrived. He was still up for almost all our Christmas traditions. The boy lives for Norad tracks Santa.

Last year Isaac started gently questioning Santa. I told him he was free to believe whatever he chooses, but I reminded him it sure is a lot more fun when you believe. I also told him that no matter what he believes he has no right to take it away from anyone else. That was all I needed to say, he never questioned me again. I've always told my kids that anyone who dresses as Santa is doing it to not to trick anyone, but to make children happy. Santa's busy and a lot of kind people give him a hand during the holidays.

The silver lining is that Santa pictures are now a girls' tradition. There'a nothing like quality time with my little girl. She wrote her own list this year. Santa read all four items with a huge grin on his face. She was a bit star struck, but they had a lovely visit. It's nice now that she can remember a few Christmases. I look forward to all the Christmas magic ahead of her.