Evie the Elf brought the kids tickets for a train ride with Santa at the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg. Yeha, we have an Elf on the Shelf now. Oh joy! The kids were excited to see Evie sitting on the toy train set in the living room, then they saw the tickets (I made paper tickets for the event since it was reserved via email).
We left for Altoona once Payton got home from school because naturally Lindsey had to stop at Target to return some stuff. We can never go anywhere near Altoona without stopping at Target for like two hours. Anyways, once that fun was over with, we went to the station, and hopped aboard the train. Aside from the little trains at amusement parks like Delgrosso, or the subway, I do not think I have ever been on a train. It was a cool experience.
They gave us cookies and hot chocolate. Then as the train started going, Santa Claus came around to each kid. They all got a special Christmas Pop-It. Logan was so excited all day about meeting Santa, but then as the jolly old elf approached, Logan became quiet. When Santa came to our seats, Logan tried so hard to be brave, but then he could not hold it any longer and started crying.
The rest of the ride was fine. Santa came back at the end to sing “Jingle Bells” which caused Logan a little apprehension, but no tears. Payton had no problem meeting the guy, as well as singing loudly, and being generally silly.
The kids seemed to enjoy the ride, although it was dark outside, so there was not much to see. We are trying to do a few different things this year.
That picture will definitely be shown at Logan’s graduation and wedding!