Polar Express Here We Come!

I think I have the best family in the whole, wide world.  Truly.

This year, I wanted to take my children on the Polar Express in Williams, AZ and what kind of holiday would it be without family.  So most of my siblings joined us for a weekend of fun in Williams, visiting the North Pole!  

We got up there on Friday afternoon, just in time to enjoy some time sledding in the snow...banks.  It hadn't snowed quite heavily enough to get some major hills but there was enough to play in.

Love these girls...Kate and Haley

 Love our little snow bank...Jeff and Kim brought the motorhome for their accommodations, but the rest of us grabbed some rooms at the nearby hotel.  The kids had a blast running from room to room enjoying the different activities in each.

I love the fact that Paige just loves being with the little ones.  So willing to just grab the littles and play!

 And lucky for us, Kate taught the twins how to make a snowman, the NY way.  She became quite the expert while we were living there.  I am always impressed by this girl's artistic abilities!

 Then we headed back to the hotel, cleaned up...or rather, dressed in our jammies and headed to the Train Station to enjoy some festivities.

And take some pictures.  It was bitterly cold with the wind, but that didn't stop us from getting a few family pics!

So grateful to have the Grays come...

 And the best Grandparents EVER!

 And of course, you have to have a squishy face picture with at least one sister!

 Dave and Joy came too with their little clan...Tate, still serving his mission, and Kevin working, but they were there in spirit!

 Somehow I missed pictures or Sarah's & Jill's families, but they were there and so grateful they came for the quick weekend too!

How can you not love this crazy bunch of mine?

 I mean, look at this amazing crew.  Who knew we like to be together?

 We spent a little time in the train depot visiting Mrs. Clause

 Writing and coloring pictures for Santa...

 And then the train whistle blew and we boarded the train.

It was a magical night of listening to the Polar Express story, drinking hot chocolate, eating cookies, and getting a visit from the big man himself!  

 I love the fact that Max's face just lit up when he came into the train.  He had to keep his eyes on him the entire time.  And of course, Kate and Liz played shy when he handed them the bell.

 

 

 And we did have a pretty fun little elf on our train ride.  He was nice to take a picture of our big crew once the train emptied...and one of himself.

 I am so grateful for the Christmas season and all the reasons to celebrate with the ones you love the most.  They may be crazy and we may have our differences, but I will say, I love this family of mine and so glad they are mine for all time and eternity.