The Mini Polar Express

This year, my friend Sarah (also Cat's piano teacher) invited us to join her family for the Polar Express mini train ride in the next town north of us.  We went last year and had a really good time, so we were looking forward to going again.

I don't get my good camera out as much as I should these days, but decided to bring it with me for this activity.  Unfortunately, the auto focus went out on the camera after I got a couple of pictures of Sarah's family.  I didn't know what the problem was at the time, so I ended up giving up and using my phone.  (I had to use my phone for the recital the next day, too, which was unfortunate, but at least I had a way to still take pictures/video.)

The set-up of the train ride was the same as last year: lots of lights and fun music on the way to Santa's workshop, a few minutes to visit with Santa, then a little spiritual message from The Man in Red, singing "Silent Night" as you walk to meet the train again, then Christ-centered music and scenes of His life on the train ride back to the point of departure.  It's a lovely activity for Christmas and we all had a great time.  And there was a major bonus in that the weather wasn't too cold.  Yeah for a mild (so far) winter!

I was prepared for Luke to get upset about being
placed on Santa's lap, but he was really just indifferent.
Works for me.

When I showed Jack this picture later, I asked him why he
doesn't smile in family photos.  He said he likes his non-smiling
face better.  I asked him to show me both faces, and told him I like
his smiling face better.  I had him go look in the mirror at both faces
to decide which one he liked better.  He came back saying he likes
his smiling face better too.  Good!  Maybe he'll actually smile in
a family photo now.