Winter Wonderland

Last weekend we took the kids up north to Flagstaff for some cabin/winter fun. They also knew we were taking them for a ride on the Polar Express! We took Nate a few years ago, and after visiting Flagstaff last winter and not being able to get tickets for it, decided we would buy tickets to ride as soon as they went on sale for this winter. With Aaron especially being into transportation, he was excited to ride a train for his first time.

As an added bonus, we got snow! The boys were stoked. Usually we've seen snow but haven't actually gotten to watch it snow.

It was so relaxing to spend the majority of our first day there just chilling at the cabin, watching it snow off/on. We lit a fire, had hot chocolate, built a gingerbread house and the kids played. So glad we didn't make any other plans before driving to Williams for the train ride. And...it was wonderful to have a break from all the hustle and bustle we would have otherwise been in had we stayed home! At first I was bummed because of all the activities we were missing being away that weekend, but it was worth it. The snow itself made it worth it!

Now...onto the Polar Express!

Perfect weather for going to the North Pole!

Our hot cocoa/cookie servers

Passing out bells

On the way to the North Pole we read the story and got hot cocoa/cookies. There were a bunch of twinkle lights as we arrived and Santa boarded the train , passing out bells to each of the kids. Then we sang Christmas carols going back to the station. Both boys enjoyed it.

The following day we hung out at the cabin for a bit more, but by lunchtime we left and headed to a tree farm to chop down our own tree! Our first experience with this. Well...now we understand why people go early. The farm wasn't too much of a farm, pretty picked over. But, we did (luckily) find a tree we liked. It even made the 2.5 hr journey ride home! I was afraid we'd have nothing left but branches. It's not like the "full" trees we're used to, but it's kinda fun that it's unique and made getting a tree a little bit more special this year.

Goodness. Now Christmas is right upon us. December seems to be one of the fastest months of the year if you ask me. The kids have just started their Winter Break. Other holiday fun coming up in another post ;)