The Polar Express

We took the most amazing trip on the Polar Express this year!  The day after Thanksgiving, which was very mellow and relaxing this year as we celebrated by having dinner out(!), we headed up to Old Town Sacramento to meet up with the Ahlemeyers for this well-known Christmas tradition.  We were so thrilled to get tickets this year as it isn't easy to do and when we tried last year we were too late.
We started off with a quick trip through the Sacramento Railroad Museum while we waited for our train to depart.

The kids were so excited.  We all wore our pajamas and brought along our copies of The Polar Express so that the conductor could sign them for us.  We enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols, and a reading of The Polar Express as we traveled to the North Pole. 

Very seriously and patiently waiting for our departure



Watching out the window as the Polar Express pulls out of the station



Reading "The Polar Express" while drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies

Once we arrived, the kids were able to look out the windows and see all of the buildings in Santa's village, wave to the elves, and Santa Claus himself.

We've arrived at the North Pole!

Fascinated by the sights of the North Pole

Jack and Mia

Santa then joined us for our train ride back and gifted each child with a silver bell.

We all loved it and hope that we will be making this an annual tradition.

Luke's 2011-2012 School Pictures

Looking like SUCH a big boy

Cabo 2011

We enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous and special week in Cabo this year again.  Luke and Mia were in heaven (how could they not be?).  They had pools, sand, sunshine, and BOTH sets of grandparents to themselves for an entire week.  In addition, Uncle Todd (a fan favorite) and Aunt Michelle and Michelle's parents were vacationing with us. We enjoyed many, many delicious meals and countless relaxing hours around the pool.  Thank you, Day and Paw!

Here are some of my favorite photos from our vacation:

Luke enjoying the kiddie pools and waterfalls

Mia loved the waterfalls ... she's fearless!

Uncle Todd is so funny!

Our little fish - he swam for 7 days straight

Shirley temple by the pool...and mojitos for Mommy and Daddy

sweet babies

Fun with Day

Very stylish

Luke spraying Grandpa

Our attempt at a family photo

Luke & Day dancing to the mariachi

Paw made sure the kids had PLENTY of lollipops

Cheers!

Pool fun with cousin Satya and her friends

Mia with Uncle Johnny

Gorgeous sunset

Loving Paw

Building sand castles

Toes in the water

Girls heading to town

Date night

At the Palmilla

Billygan's

And more dancing

Floating with Daddy

Fishing trip

Uncle Todd and Aunt Michelle