You must GO!!!!

If the previous post was a downer – this is sure to lift your spirits.  Let me just go on record that fun isn’t necessarily “cheap” – but I’m here to tell you – it was worth every single penny.

We took the kids to Branson to stay at Chateaux and ride the Polar Express.  When we woke up – Ralphie was sitting on one of Crawford’s trains and left us a note to have fun!

I forget just how close Branson is.  We were there by 9:30.  We started at the Landing:  shopping, eating, playing.

Then it was time to go to the HOTEL (as the kids would yell it!).  The couldn’t believe we were staying at this castle.  And then it got fun.  They ran inside and saw the decorations – and were amazed.  We had to force them to the room for a much needed late nap.

When we got up (because yes we all napped) – the kids put on their Christmas pj’s and we headed to the train depot.

Crawford and Conlee FREAKED when they saw their friend Mitch was there too!

This is the real deal – movie experience.  They even blow fake snow on you as you board.  We took the 4:45 train this year – and I highly recommend it.

 

The kids were jazzed about their golden tickets – and couldn’t wait for the conductor to punch them.

Love the pic below with us on the steps in the train car!

When the train started – Bo and I were a bit scared.  The pic below shows the look of awe that our kids had.  The didn’t move – they were in shock.

I tried to make them smile – total fakes.

And then the HOBO came around.  The got a kick out of that.  Matter of fact – they will tell you he was their favorite part.  He kept running through the cars hiding from the conductor.

And then the real fun started…hot chocolate and cookies!

Just as the sun went down – we got to the “North Pole” – perfect to see Santa, Mrs. Claus and all of the elves.

Bo and I both got a bit teary eyed as we watch the kids take it all in.  The lights, the story, the characters – pure magic!

The icing on the cake…Santa brings around bells and takes pics with the kids.

If you know the story – let me say – I’m proud that my kids can hear the bell wring.

The lights totally made up for the bomb from the fair grounds.

To top that off – the conductor came around to punch the kids tickets!

We had such a fun time on the Polar Express.  Highly recommend the 4:45 train.  Because when it was over – we still had plenty of time to head back to the hotel and watch a movie! Crawford made me take a pic of him in front of the gingerbread houses.  He want to make one this size!!!!

The decorations really do get you in the spirit!

That’s Santa coming down a rope from the skylight.

After we watched the movie Home Alone 2 in the theater – we snuck out a bit early to be sure and get some pool time.

A final “must” before bed time – a trip to the soda shoppe for ice cream!!!!

To say they needed a bit to settle down in an understatement.  So we let them bunk together and watch Rudolf on the DVD player.

I feel so totally blessed to get the privilege to go on amazing adventures with my family.  While we missed the rest of our crew from last year – it was so great to spend time – just the 4 of us!  Sad to say – but we only have a few more years of this “magic.”