Arctic Express

A family tradition that we enjoy each year is riding the Arctic Express in Silverhill, Alabama.

It's always a lot of fun seeing the Christmas decorations and the multitude of lights.

When we arrived we saw Santa and his hot air balloon.  Didn't you know Santa uses a hot air balloon as a backup for when Rudolph gets sick?

We decided to explore a bit before getting in line for the train ride.  Santa's elves worked hard this year making all those crafts!

There was a petting zoo this year. 

With all kinds of friendly animals.

Moo!

The lambs really liked Grace.

She liked them, too.

She talked to them and told them she was going to ride the train and see "Sanduh Caws" (Santa Claus).

Then she pet them.

And fed them.

She didn't want to leave them.

Until she found out about the pig.  She kept calling him "Will-her" (Wilber) and asking for (Sar-lutt) Charlotte. 

Then it was time to get in line for the train ride.  The line was growing quickly!

There's Faith all bundled up with her daddy.

We listened to the Christmas carolers while in line.

Then Grace spotted this blown up Rudolph.

And I picked her up to get a closer look.

I wish I'd remembered the mail box for Santa.  I've got to remember that for next year.

Soon the train arrived and we climbed aboard.

There were lights everywhere but hard to get a good picture of.

If I used the flash nothing shows up but dark sky.

Without the flash I get a blur of motion.

Motion from riding the train of course.  Grace really enjoyed the train ride.

Then we stopped at the halfway point and got off.  Grace was ready to see Santa!

She climbed on David's shoulders to get a better look.

But when we finally got to see Santa, she acted a little bashful.

Santa gave Grace and Faith a handcarved train to decorate.

David helped the girls color and put stickers on them.  We still have Grace's train from last year.

Then we went outside to see the nativity.

And we took a picture by the sign reminding us the real reason for Christmas.

Then we climbed back on board the train to head back to the main station.

When we got back, we let Grace ride on a pony.

She picked this pony who's name was Suzy.  Grace loved Suzy and didn't want to get off!

Faith was worn out from all the excitement so we headed home until next year.

Good will to y'all and see you next year!