The Polar Express Train Ride

Oscar and I got to ride on a train last Thursday on the New Hope and Ivyland Railway. We went with my friend Christine, her two boys, and several other teacher-friends and their children. Before the train, we went to see a large gingerbread house display and run around for a bit at Peddler's Village.

 Checking out the fish, and generally running around.

The guardrail for the gingerbread houses was understandably tall, but between tip-toes and a few boosts, O.K. managed to see them all.

Some of the boys who were in our group (the boy next to Oscar happens to be in my class this year--he was VERY sweet with O.K..)

The train!

 Then it was time to ride! We got on the train and took a ride through the countryside.

 O.K. on the train.

 While we rode, Santa and Mrs. Claus came through and chatted with the kids, the kids were given hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes, and this guy came through with his banjo to lead some carols. Each child was also given a special jingle bell to ring.

 Back on the platform, the boys played with the machines.

 Then, right before it was time to leave, we got to see an engine getting coupled onto the next train. 

It was a fun day.