The Santa Express

A local train company runs a Santa Express. The train ride is about 30 minutes each way with a 30 minute stop in between. Santa rides on the train and visits the kids. Rudy was excited to ride on the train and insisted that Beary come along too.

We opted for seats in the Cafe Car - a little more expensive, but much more space and a snack was included. It also made it easier for Rudy to play with his toys and color when he got restless.

Here he had just noticed the lights decorating the ceiling of the train car.

Rudy took this picture of Beary.

Rudy was pretty shy when he went to sit with Santa. He wouldn't look right at him and wouldn't really talk to him. He told Santa that Santa could just surprise him.

I was trying to take a nice grandfather/grandson picture, but Rudy insisted on trying to look like a pirate.

When the first leg of the trip was over we got out and explored the small train station and museum. Paul and Rudy went up to explore the old bunk rooms.

Our car was right behind the engine.

Very seriously playing with his dinosaurs.

Once again wanting to look like a pirate.

After the train ride we went out to dinner. The restaurant was called "Cousin Mario's" which excited Rudy because he had a cat named Mario and he has a cousin! Isn't it an amazing coincidence? :) Later he called the restaurant Cousin Cat's.

My new favorite picture of my guys!