2nd Annual Polar Express Night

This past Saturday night Brad & Melissa hosted our 2nd Annual Polar Express night! We did this last year and it was a ton of fun so we continued the tradition this year. Melissa outdid herself with all the special touches for the kids and put on such a special night for everyone.

We started by having all the kids show up in their PJ's and we kicked off the night with a craft of making train ornaments...


Next we ate a great dinner of soup, chili, muffins, and fruit salad. Then it was time for all the cousins to decorate a gingerbread train! Look at these crazy kids :)





While the kids were finishing the gingerbread train - Papa disappeared and I wasn't quite sure what he was doing. I could tell something was going on but didn't know what to expect. Then all of a sudden I hear a train whistle and he runs out dressed up as the Conductor from Polar Express! The kids were so excited as he told them to go get their ticket for the train from Grandma and then come to him to get their ticket punched and gain entrance to the train. Grandma had a ticket with each kid's name on it and then once Papa punched their ticket they could go over the stool and onto the "train" - aka couch :)






Once we were all on the "train" Papa read the Polar Express book to all of us. Once the story was done he gave every grandkid a special silver dollar to put under their pillow from now until Christmas to help all their Christmas dreams come true!







Next it was cookie and hot chocolate time! Plus all the kids wanted a photoshoot wearing Papa's Conductor hat and mustache :)










Even the older boys wanted a turn! (Craig looks like a burglar :) )



Finally it was movie time!

Chase & Papa watching Polar Express...


We had a great night and the kids really enjoyed all the special touches and made some great memories! Can't wait till next year!