{ Santa Arrives on the 1880 Train }

With no intentions of showing up empty handed to see Santa, Cade made his list.

And I tried to not be shocked when he wrote:

Motorcycle, dirt bike, video games, riding lawnmower, and remote control vehicle. When did he turn into such a BOY?

Considering I initially wondered if he would break his neck on a skateboard, I have bigger problems.

“Do you think Santa has room for a motorcycle in his Sleigh?”

Cade, “He’ll be fine. Plus he can just park it in the garage instead of trying to get it down the chimney.”

Well, okay then. Let the “Parental-Child-If There’s Really a Santa, He’ll Bring Me This” games begin.

Claire, on the other hand, could care less and just wanted to paint something for him.

Excellent. Your Mama thanks you for not asking for designer jeans and your own cell phone.

Yet.

This is the kids’ cousin. And since I didn’t ask his parents to put his face on the blog, I’ll leave him nameless.

Every boy needs mystery, no?

But he’s adorable. So here’s another picture.

As we wait in line to get on the 1880 Train, Mrs. Claus makes an appearance. Not to take away from her popularity, but no one was really that impressed. Drag your husband out, and THEN you’ll see the crowd go crazy, okay?

To pass the time, I took pictures. Imagine that. (You know Mom and Dad by now, right?)

Oh look! It’s the photographer that loathes having her picture taken.

Except I am always happy when I do.

Because pictures with her and him make me happy.

Maybe I will quit resisting when Dad grabs my camera.

Thanks, Dad.

So we make it on the train and look out the windows. I show Claire how to blow on the glass so she can draw. Cutie.

Mrs. Claus comes back around and everyone gets to eat sugar cookies and drink hot chocolate.

The holiday music is playing … and Santa arrives with Christmas Bells.

Mrs. Claus with Caeden’s List.

Who, very discretely, gets it back to us.

Just in case I somehow forget.

Dark as can be in the train cars except for the Christmas overhead lights.

The ONE time of year I wish I used a flash.

Oh well. Grainy, blurry pictures are just fine. Nostalgic, right?

I don’t want to miss out on a second of the Holiday …

And can’t think of a better way to kick it off.

Thanks, Mom and Dad.

For the experience.

And for just being so good to us.

XOXO.