We joined the Cramers at Elizabeth's family cabin in Pagosa Springs for Thanksgiving . We felt so lucky to be able to join them again. We love the Cramers and appreciate the invite! It was a fort-making, game playing, turkey trotting followed by turkey feasting, hot springing, park exploring, toy zip-ling, secret divulging perfect Thanksgiving get-away!
We ended up hitting the road a few hours sooner due to some very unexpected news regarding a family member. Through countless miracles, he is home from the hospital and recovering. What a scary reminder it was for me to always strive to have gratitude in my heart and let my loved ones know how much I care. It's something we hear so often that each day is a gift, but it hit so close to home that particular morning.
The kids had a blast playing at the hotel pool in Durango. Here are some fun out takes that Bryan snapped. I can't help but think that Myles is the cutest little swim nerd in his goggles and puddle jumper!
Our plans for Thanksgiving in Pagosa Springs and a work trip in Durango (much to the help of our friend) worked out perfectly to take a ride aboard The Polar Express. It may rival Disney in price, as well as the magic of the night. One of our favorite moments was when the train came into the station. It was dark outside and we could hear the puffs from the steam engine with the occasional whistle as it approached the station. When it came into view, we could see the puffs of steam forming clouds in the dark, night sky and felt the rumble of the engine underneath our feet on the platform. The kids were in complete awe of as they watched it approach.
Actors/staff reenacted a part from the Polar Express book when the boy is asked to board the train. I loved watching each of our kid's eyes fill with excitement as they realized we were about to join the adventure. As we boarded the train, the conductor came around and punched holes in our tickets. Next, we started our journey to the North Pole. They served hot chocolate (Luke, Emma and Myles all sang along with the hot chocolate song) and read The Polar Express book on our way up North. Upon our arrival to the North Pole, our kids weren't too convinced it was the actual North Pole. They wondered where the snow was and why the homes were made out of cardboard?!? It was pretty funny, but they were still caught up in the fun aboard the train. On our way back to the station, we sang Christmas Carols to welcome Santa Claus as he made his way to our passenger car. Luke became so excited and suddenly panicked when he realized he wasn't sure what to ask for when Santa Claus made his rounds. He collected his thoughts and confidently said Legos (phew!). Santa left each of the kids with a silver bell that they brought home and hung on the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, Luke's stomach was really upset towards the end of our train ride. Luckily, we made it to the hotel before he was sick and whatever it was didn't bother him the rest of the night or the rest of our trip.
It was great night making some very fun memories as a family. I'm not sure how many Christmas seasons we have left with all three kids as believers of Santa. This was a highlight of these years that pass so quickly. I love the last line of the book, "The bell still rings for all who truly believe." Having kids during this time of year makes me a believer all over again.
