Our Journey to the Polar Express . . .

 Last week we took our annual road trip to Essex, Connecticut to ride the Polar Express.  It's a beautiful steam engine train that is decorated for the holidays and, twice a day for several weeks, is filled with children (and even some parents!!) dressed in their pj's waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa, Mrs. Claus and the sleepy time elves.  It is something we have come to look forward to every year.  My sister-in-law and I have already begun scheming as to how we're still going to go even after the kids no longer want to anymore.  : )
 

 Our journey begins with a visit to Cracker Barrel for lunch and some retail therapy.  It's located at the halfway point between home and the Polar Express (about a two hour drive to Essex, CT) so it breaks up the ride a bit.  The food is good but, as far as I'm concerned, the shopping is BETTER!! 
 

 If you're a lover of all things country and nostalgic, this is the place to visit.  There are rocking chairs that line the front porch and there's vintage charm everywhere you look.
  

 

 

An old tricycle hanging from the ceiling.

I couldn't resist taking this guy home!!  Unfortunately there's no volume control and with a two year old pressing the button over and over (and over) again it gets to be a little monotonous after a while but I still love it!!  : )

 

My nephew Andre in his jammies waiting for lunch to be served.

My nephew Jason in his jammies.

After we ate lunch and spent time in the gift shop, we changed Megan into her jammies and it was back on the road again. 

NEXT STOP!!  The Polar Express!!!! 


Many blessings for a happy Monday ~ Wendy

This Moment . . .

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 Many blessings for a happy and peaceful weekend ~ Wendy

Our Annual Visit to the Polar Express . . .

Last week we made our annual journey to the Essex Train Station in Essex, CT for a ride on the Polar Express. This year was extra special because the ride was shared with Grandparents and cousins and Aunt Michelle (my beautiful sister-in-law)!!



All aboard!!!!!




The Sleepytime Elves served us hot cocoa and cookies. It was delicious and my nephew, Andre, even noted that the cocoa "wasn't watery like it was last year." LOL!!!



Megan with MiMi and Grandpop.



Brendan looking out the window for Santa.



The anticipation was clearly getting to them!!!! : )



Wait a minute!! Is that who I think it is????



Finally, the moment had arrived!! Mrs. Claus (who I almost blinded with my flash!!) and The Big Man himself . . .



Santa Claus!!!!!



We had such a wonderful time and are already making plans for next year's trip!!


Oh, and I had to sneak a photo in of me and my honey. : )




Many blessings for a happy Monday ~ Wendy

{this moment} . . .

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Cousins on the Polar Express. True joy on their faces!!!!


Many blessings for a wonderful and peaceful weekend ~ Wendy