This year for Christmas, my parents decided it would be a blast if we could get everyone together for a weekend and take the kids on the Polar Express (aka the Heeber Creeper). They bought the tickets for everyone to go and arranged for us to stay at Temple Square at Bishop Beckstead's apartment afterward.
It was rough getting up there because we got snow dumped on us all morning long. The original plan was to be up in Heber at a local burger joint by 3pm--there is an electric chain at this restaurant that travels around the ceiling and we figured it would help get the kids in the mood. In addition to that, my mom bought all the kids pajamas, beanies, and mittens to wear on the train. But the snow made the trip slow and I had to wait for Colton to finish up with the recruits that they had in town. We made it to Heber at 4:15pm (thanks to a grey Dodge and 4 wheel drive), just in time to shove down a burger, fries, and a shake & then we boarded the train.
Once we were aboard, we spent the first 40 minutes of the ride rearranging kids on our laps, dropping straws on the floor, spilling hot chocolate on our pants, listening to Kaden cry and Karlee talk about Crocodile Lake.
But it was all worth it when those kids saw Santa standing outside at the North Pole. They passed out Polar Express books and everyone followed along as they read it out loud.
Santa got on board the train on the way back and passed out a bell to everyone and Mrs. Clause got on long enough to make Kade scream. 
Kennedy entertained us with her singing and jokes (brown chicken, brown cow) while Kelsey sat wondering where her child got her antics from.
Mason spent his time on Colton's and Jake's lap.
Brock dedicated the first two verses of The Grinch to Bishop Leonard, resigning to the fact that he should not continue the song, and Grandpa Jeff & Grandma Jenni took hundreds of photos.
After the train ride was over, Jake took off to Provo to pick up his lady friend while the rest of us made the trek through Parley's down into Salt Lake. We had planned on hitting the lights at Temple Square, but the kids were all tired and would rather stay at the apartment and take turns riding Red Rose (an electric horse that Kennedy proudly named). Colton & I took Brock and Tyra with us to pick up some pizza and spin cookies on the crowded and snowy SLC streets. We all were pretty tired, so we went to bed and my dad took us to breakfast at JB's the next morning. The kids were fascinated by the buffet and Karlee proudly announced that she had gone both pee pee and poo poo to us and the other JB's patrons when she exited the bathroom proudly.
It was such a fun weekend. I love spending time with my family--especially when everyone is there. Brandon was in Seattle working and we sure missed him, but I love being around my parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, brother, and nieces & nephews. I love you guys! What a fun way to kick off the Christmas season...
It was rough getting up there because we got snow dumped on us all morning long. The original plan was to be up in Heber at a local burger joint by 3pm--there is an electric chain at this restaurant that travels around the ceiling and we figured it would help get the kids in the mood. In addition to that, my mom bought all the kids pajamas, beanies, and mittens to wear on the train. But the snow made the trip slow and I had to wait for Colton to finish up with the recruits that they had in town. We made it to Heber at 4:15pm (thanks to a grey Dodge and 4 wheel drive), just in time to shove down a burger, fries, and a shake & then we boarded the train.
Once we were aboard, we spent the first 40 minutes of the ride rearranging kids on our laps, dropping straws on the floor, spilling hot chocolate on our pants, listening to Kaden cry and Karlee talk about Crocodile Lake.But it was all worth it when those kids saw Santa standing outside at the North Pole. They passed out Polar Express books and everyone followed along as they read it out loud.Santa got on board the train on the way back and passed out a bell to everyone and Mrs. Clause got on long enough to make Kade scream. Kennedy entertained us with her singing and jokes (brown chicken, brown cow) while Kelsey sat wondering where her child got her antics from. Mason spent his time on Colton's and Jake's lap. Brock dedicated the first two verses of The Grinch to Bishop Leonard, resigning to the fact that he should not continue the song, and Grandpa Jeff & Grandma Jenni took hundreds of photos. After the train ride was over, Jake took off to Provo to pick up his lady friend while the rest of us made the trek through Parley's down into Salt Lake. We had planned on hitting the lights at Temple Square, but the kids were all tired and would rather stay at the apartment and take turns riding Red Rose (an electric horse that Kennedy proudly named). Colton & I took Brock and Tyra with us to pick up some pizza and spin cookies on the crowded and snowy SLC streets. We all were pretty tired, so we went to bed and my dad took us to breakfast at JB's the next morning. The kids were fascinated by the buffet and Karlee proudly announced that she had gone both pee pee and poo poo to us and the other JB's patrons when she exited the bathroom proudly.It was such a fun weekend. I love spending time with my family--especially when everyone is there. Brandon was in Seattle working and we sure missed him, but I love being around my parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, brother, and nieces & nephews. I love you guys! What a fun way to kick off the Christmas season...
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