The Polar Express was full of Magic!

 We hopped aboard the Polar Express and had an absolute blast! Now, as much as I’d love to present the entire crew in one picture, wrangling a family of 21 is like trying to teach cats choreography. Matthew and Cole? Not pictured here because they were off exploring the vending tents... Once were were aboard our traint, The Northern Lights, we found out seats and we the show got under way! We got hot chocolate and a cookie, several of the kids got to turn the page as they told the story, and Joanie and Sammi got to walk the cart and sign with the performers. I had the microphone in my face a few times to say Ho HO HO! and Merry Christmas. We all got beautiful Mugs to take home and a beautiful authentic bell that we could all hear! But the best thing of all was when they choose Danny to carry the present up to the main character. WE never thought Danny would do it, but he was a pro!

Once we boarded 1st class tickets on The Northern Lights, we found our seats and the magic began—literally. Cue the hot chocolate and cookie parade! It was like a Hallmark movie, except with fewer commercial breaks and more sugar. Several kids got to help “turn the page” while the story unfolded, which, let's be honest, felt like they were auditioning for Broadway. Meanwhile, Joanie and Sammi lived their best lives, signing and performing alongside the cast like budding thespians.

And yours truly? Well, I had a microphone thrust in my face multiple times to belt out “Ho Ho Ho!” and “Merry Christmas!”—clearly, they saw my untapped potential as Santa's understudy.

Then came the grand finale. We all got to keep beautiful mugs (anniversary additions) and an authentic bell, which we could actually hear. Believe me, I tried shaking it next to everyone's ear just to test. BUT...... the best moment of all? Watching Danny strut his stuff as he carried the present to the lead character. We thought he’d freeze up—maybe drop the gift, maybe cry—but nope! Danny nailed it like a seasoned pro. I'm not saying we should retire as his entourage, but I’m also not, not saying it.