A Train Ride

Two Sunday's ago, we embarked on a family Christmas adventure to the New Hope Valley Railway. It has recently become a tradition that every Christmas season our family (including my parents and sister) do something fun together. This year, for Ethan's sake, we decided to do the Santa Train at the New Hope Valley Railway. Aside from the actual train ride, they had a large fenced in area with several remote control trains going through fake cities and towns- which Ethan loved. They also had old train cars that you could go in and out of- which again, of course, Ethan loved.

We bought tickets to ride the steam engine instead of the diesel engine. The steam engine just seemed more like a real old fashioned kind of train ride...plus the sound of the steam engine is a lot more fun. And yes, it was the real coal burning kind of steam engine. You don't see those much anymore.

The ride lasted about an hour through the country side. While you rode the train, Santa came to visit you. I thought Ethan would be a little unsure of Santa- since let's just be honest, this Santa didn't look like a real classic. But, much to my surprise, he let Santa sit next to him and talk to him for a few minutes. The train was decorated for Christmas, and they played Christmas music. That's about it. You either have to really love trains, or be a child to really enjoy this. For me, it was seeing the excitement in my son's eyes...that was enough. Thanks to my sister for taking all of these pictures!

An update on Snowflakes the elf...

He has conducted circle time at "Elf School"...

And then needed some major rest time since toddlers are exhausting.

I still can't believe this week is the week of Christmas. Crazy. This week also starts my 3rd trimester which also seems crazy. I am getting excited, but also starting to get nervous thinking about all of the upcoming change. 

I hope that everyone has a blessed Christmas!!!