Train ride...

 Last night, we took the 3-year-old Owlet and baby Cygnet to ride on a vintage steam engine train in Portland, an hour-and-a-half drive from here. There, we met the girls' cousins (ages 7 and 9), their parents, and another niece of mine. The train and crew are set up to mimic the experience of the book and movie "The Polar Express." 

Everyone gathered in the train station first. Staff, dressed in old-fashioned costumes, greeted the children and answered questions. A lovely woman chatted to the Owlet and showed her where she could write a "letter" to Santa and put it in a special mailbox. The Owlet was all on board with this idea and spent a long time creating the perfect missive. 

She proudly placed it in the mailbox. 

The cousins were delighted to see one another, and it was with great excitement that we all boarded the train. We were in the "Caribou Crossing" car. Soon, the train chugged away from the station, and the Owlet delightedly looked out the window. We passed water views and people walking (whom she waved vigorously at!) There were Christmas lights and an illuminated Santa's sleigh to admire.  Soon, someone came and passed out golden tickets to all the children (most of whom wore their holiday-themed pajamas.) 

The Owlet lost her ticket behind the seat cushion. Her parents diligently tried to retrieve it to no avail. 

Cookies and hot chocolate were served. The story of the Polar Express was read out loud over the speaker while a staff member held the book up and turned the pages. 

The seven-year-old cousin noted the Owlet's parents' concern over the lost ticket. Apparently filled with the Christmas spirit, she kindly offered to give the wee Owlet her ticket. My eyes leaked a little. After a while, a costumed conductor came to punch the children's tickets (with the first initial of their name!) and cheerfully replaced the lost ticket, so all was well. 

Soon, Santa entered the car. The Owlet jumped up and down with glee, her eyes wide. But then she felt a little shy and wiggled up on the bench seat between her papa and me. Santa spent a long time talking to the Cygnet and gave her a beautiful silver jingle bell, but he walked right past the Owlet, hidden between big people. She realized what had happened and said, "C'mon, Lovie!" She hopped off the bench and followed behind Santa. I followed her. She flashed me a mischievous look and gave Santa a friendly tickle. Pleased with herself, she collected her bell from the elf following Santa and scurried back to her seat. 

After our delightful trip, we all gathered at a local restaurant for a nice meal. The entire adventure was an excellent way to kick off the holiday season. There was spirit and sharing, family and fun, cocoa and cookies, and tickles. What could be better?