Two weeks ago my family had the amazing privilege of traveling to the beautiful city of Heber to ride the North Pole Express on the Heber Valley Rail Road.
I adore Heber. I even beg and plead yearly for Flavio to buy me a house there to raise my kids. Alas, he never concedes, so I have to get my fix by riding the rail road.
I was SO excited to be invited back by HVRR to ride the rails to see Santa again this year. There was something extra special and magical. It could have been the rain pummeling us as we waited for the train, that hope that at any moment it would turn into glistening snow...but there was something magical about this night with my family, one that I will cherish for always.
I adore Heber. I even beg and plead yearly for Flavio to buy me a house there to raise my kids. Alas, he never concedes, so I have to get my fix by riding the rail road.
I was SO excited to be invited back by HVRR to ride the rails to see Santa again this year. There was something extra special and magical. It could have been the rain pummeling us as we waited for the train, that hope that at any moment it would turn into glistening snow...but there was something magical about this night with my family, one that I will cherish for always.
Here are my kids waiting in the drizzle. Smiles galore...happy that they finally knew what the 'surprise' I had been brewing for them was!
Well, at least two of them were happy.
Is this one ever happy?
We were greeted by THE most adorable left handed elf. Doesn't she have the most beautiful handwriting? I loved that she put an extra little something after each child's name, from a heart to a smiley. I loved that little touch.
Here is my Millie experiencing the train for the 'first time' (the first time that she can remember).
I adore these two. I don't even have to tell them to hug and love each other like that, they just do. (Unless we have been in the car for two hours...then there is a little less love.)
The train cars seemed extra bright, and I am always in awe of the sweet Christmas decorations and lights rigged up just for us.
Milla taking advantage of the best seat in the house, laying across Mom and Dad's laps. Complete with her upside down name tag.
These kids may have whispered in my ear a million times, "I want some hot chocolate!" It was so so hard to be patient. However, we have learned over the years that if we sit next to the cookies and hot cocoa, we are generally first in line to receive.
With all the rain and cold, the windows fogged up nicely, add in a little Jack Frost and my kids had the perfect pallet to keep their imaginations busy for a bit.
Finally the cookies (made by Mrs. Claus of course) came as did the delicious hot cocoa. I totally splurged and drank every drop of my cocoa. I do not think hot cocoa has ever tasted so yummy.
Our adorable elf waitresses handing out the goodies.
"Hot, hot, hot, hot chocolate!" Don't forget our adorable chef!
Crazy...photos of me to prove I was there. (That never happens!)
After the cookies and cocoa, there were carols to be sung. Do you know that Camilla does not like singing or 'loud'?
After we ushered her in with our carols, Mrs. Claus stopped by to visit each of us and gave us her special top secret cookie recipe. You can find most of the ingredients at home, but I am still struggling to find that "Giggle of an Elf" that it calls for. I may have to borrow someone's Elf on a Shelf.
Remember how I told you about our adorable elf? I cannot remember her name, but she was absolutely sweet with my girls. She talked to each of them for the longest time.
More artwork was to be had while the three babies waited for Santa to come and see them!
There was so much magic this year for my kids. I cannot remember a Christmas season where I felt more magic with them and for them than I have this year.
Even though Camilla would not have anything to do with the big guy...she did allow him to give her a bell. I think the look on her face says it all.
The North Pole Express: A perfect way to ring in Christmas.
Pun intended.
From the Heber Valley Rail Road:
Visit Santa Aboard the North Pole Express
Heber Valley Railroad continues annual family tradition HEBER CITY, Utah (Nov. 16, 2012) — Utah’s popular holiday family tradition continues as Heber Valley Railroad’s annual “North Pole Express” chugs back into service this holiday season.
The train ride will take passengers on a journey to see Santa Claus at the North Pole beginning Friday, Nov. 23. Aboard the train, passengers can sing along to classic holiday carols and hear the story of the North Pole Express while Santa’s elves serve hot cocoa and cookies.
Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa Claus will board the train and greet all of the children with a special gift. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear their pajamas.
The North Pole Express will run at 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Christmas Eve, with daily departures starting Monday, Dec. 17.
Select dates will also offer 2 p.m. departure times. Tickets for this magical family experience are now available, and prices begin at $30 for adults and $20 for kids (ages 3-12). First-class ticket options are available at $47 for adults and $37 for kids (ages 3-12).
Discounts for groups of 20 or more are also available upon request.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the railroad at 435-654-5601, online at www.HeberValleyRailroad.org or at the Heber Valley Depot, 450 South 600 West, Heber City. For more information and directions, contact the Heber Valley Railroad at 435-654-5601 or visit www.HeberValleyRailroad.org.
***Disclaimer: Each member of my family was given a ticket to ride the Heber Valley Rail Road's North Pole Express. I was not compensated in any other way except for the magic I felt and the happiness in my heart from such an event. The opinions expressed in this blog article are my own.***
