I have wanted to do this little trip ever since I found out about it last Christmas. Last week a randomly checked out some hotels near by, and we found such a great deal on a hotel in Lubbock that we had to take it.
This trip came about in a few hours, and then we were on our way. It was a perfect time since Nate was off for five days.
We made it to there a couple of hours before we could check in, so we did what we do best. Look for adventure.
We always do a search for Cold Stone Creamery - and to out delight there was one. Ice-cream - who needs to even ask - we love ice cream.
We made a little stop at Target - gingerbread houses and water was the excuse, but Nate knows I am a dollar bin junkie (they have some decent stuff in Target) so he obliged.
Our hotel was super fancy and nice. not the cheap and rundown kind we normally chose to save money since we just sleep there. We scored such an awesome deal - we couldn't not take it. Who can say no thank you to free complimentary drinks?
Now for my most favourite part. I love Christmas, and I love all the beauty, and fun, and if you let me call it magic of Christmas. Of course we work hard to instill our personal believes and meaning of Christmas with the kids - that Jesus was born to save the world.
But we also don't mind having a little bit of fun, and creating fun memories that will hopefully last a life time.
One of the recommendations for the Polar Express is that the kids should go in their jammies like in the movie, and if you want to be amazing and cool parents you are allowed to do it as well. An acceptable reason to wear pajamas out of the house? Yes please.
We had to wait for the sun to set, so we grabbed dinner, and a retro diner - I have been to one once a few years back in Georgia, and I loved it. Nate wanted to try it out, and well Ian can never say no to a hearty and delicious cheeseburger.
We found the train station, got all of our stuff together (Nate changed into his jammies - he wasn't cool enough to go to dinner in his) and layered up - it was super cold.
We had to hang around for a little while longer - luckily they had a heated tent where the movie was being played, and we were able to stay warm and try and keep the kids together. Try to explain to a three and five year old that you have to wait here while the train is waiting right there....
We were able to line up....
and finally board the train.
and this was the best part. I couldn't help but notice their nervous little giggles, huddled together by the window trying to figure out what is going to happen on this train. They had a million questions and had to make sure every once and a while that we will all stay together and they won't have to get off at the North Pole (like the movie) - once all the nerves were calm we had a blast.
We got the golden tickets.
The tickets were punched by the conductor.
The dancing chef's appeared - and with that hot chocolate and cookies were served.
We had a blast together just hanging out - reading the Polar Express book, and waiting to arrive at the North Pole.
We made it to the North Pole.....
The elves got on the train....
Hayleigh was amazed by all the glitter and decided to call her sparkle girl.
The big event is when Santa boarded the train, and brought sleigh bells for all the kids,
We had a blast in all reality it was probably a little overpriced and Nate and I thought it was a little silly - but on the other hand the kids thought is was amazing and they really did enjoy it and that is all that matters. We got over the cheesiness and played along to make it more exciting.
We got into the hotel late, and everyone was little overstimulated - so we had to a take a little bit so wind down.
and then this happened - and my heart skipped a beat.
We slept peacefully dreaming about the North Pole.
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One our way home the next day we stopped at the mail to get our yearly pictures with Santa - more on that later.
We found a double story bookstore - and we all were in heaven. We are a book family - we love books, we read all the time, we can get lost for days in a book store.
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| She spotted Pete the Cat from a mile away. |
Nate insisted to go back to the diner for another burger (it was seriously delicious) and who am I to say no. So we grabbed lunch before we headed back home.
This time we added shakes to the meal - and it was perfect!
This was the perfect little get away during the busy holiday time. We were able to relax, while having fun and replenishing all of our emotional tanks to make it through the hustle and bustle that is associated with this time of the year.
The kids needed the break and change of scenery - and I well, I always enjoy getting away from Andrews for a little while.
This is my favourite time of the year and getting to spend it with the three people I love the most is always something beautiful and inspiring.
I needed it, we all needed it, and it was perfect.
Christmas is approaching quickly, and I am excited.
Happy Sunday!
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