The North Pole Express

Here in the Heber Valley we have a real live super awesome railway, and even though we have lived here for six and a half years, we had never ridden it. With the exception of Caleb and Emmy riding it five years ago when our darling neighbors invited us to join them on the North Pole Express Train. Jonah was barely born and was sickish, so he and I stayed home. Emmy was only two and a half at the time, but she still vividly remembers it. There are no photos, only her memories. Two and a Half! That's how awesome the train ride was!

Well. 

Five years later, we finally did it. And we brought along a few cousins, because they make everything better. 

 Waiting to board! Claire couldn't stop jumping. She was ridiculously excited.

We found our spots and settled in for the ride.

These trains are the real deal, man. Trains are and new experience for us!
Jonah said "Mom, this is even better than riding on a BUS!" which was his previous favorite vehicle.

Once the train was underway a few adorable elves served fresh cookies and piping hot chocolate.
Yes please.

This train-robber lady had us all singing christmas carols. She was awesome! She had a killer voice.

These two were these two. Nuff said. Love them.

 I promise I wasn't terrified, though my face would suggest that.

These two were these two. Nuff said. Love them.

Then.... as we rumbled down the track, out the windows was a beautifully decorated hillside complete with a real live waving Santa Clause! The kids went berserk.

The train slowed and stopped, and we serenaded Santa onto the train! He was adorable. Millie was shy until he got close, then she was terrified. But the other kids loved him!

He gave them each a gold bell with a red ribbon, which they have been vigorously ringing ever since.

Thank you for joining us, Tess and Kids!

Pic of the Day, Take two

Early Thanksgiving Pie. Apple. mmmmm.

Things

Hi, friends.

There are so many things.

I haven't been on here in a while, and it's not because I have nothing to say. It's because my minutes in my days don't include blogging time lately, and I'm feeling a little off-kilter! The lack of blogging may not be entirely blame for my off kilter ness, but that's another tale for another time.

The things.

The house project is coming right along, and we were almost completely ready for the snow storm that graced us this weekend! The snow should melt this coming week, and that means we should get all buttoned up for the long haul we call Winter in the Rockies.

My parents. My parents are leaving me. And my siblings. And our country! They have been called to serve an LDS Mission to Yekaterinburg, Russia. They will spend the next 18 months (that's Two siberian winters, mind you) in Russia, serving and loving and bringing people to Christ. I'm so happy and excited for them! And so sad for me. But the excitement far outweighs the sad, and we get to skype every Sunday. I am so blessed to have them, and I am grateful for the example that they are setting for me and mine. So, happiness there!

My sister. My Cami. She is leaving me, too. But that's okay, because I left her first. She's getting married! To her friend, Garret! THIS IS SO MUCH HAPPINESS! He proposed last week. They're getting married in two weeks (which happens to be three days before my parents leave). Pray for us.

Homeschool. Homeschool is so much awesomeness. It is going really well! But I definitely feel like I have started a part time job. My mornings are officially completely booked. This is not me complaining, because Hi! I don't do that! (ha) I'm just letting you all know that I'm feeling what it's like to be a working Mom. Even though my job is being a Mom. That is all.

Also. I'm turning 30. Very soon. And I am SO totally ok with that. More on this later.

Tess took this photo of me and mine, and I love her for it. She captured us so well. I love that we're in a pile, because this is an accurate portrayal of us. I love that we're not very done up. I love that Jonah isn't crossing his eyes. Thank you, Tim dear!

Love you bye.

Picture of the Day.

Here is my contribution of the day: A picture that needs shared.

Daddy's helper.