Polar Express

Friday, December 12-14, 2014

We headed back to Elkins for the Polar Express again this year, but this time we opted to stay at Stonewall Jackson Resort. We also went with Bonnie, Nathan and the kids this year which was fun.

When we arrived on Friday night, we all checked in and then the kids did their gift exchange which was fun.  Then we went to the lobby for hot cocoa, hot cider, cookies and a few pictures (shocking, I know).

Then it was time for a long winter's nap to get ready for our big day with Polar Express on Saturday.

First thing on Saturday morning, Bonnie and I headed to the spa (ahhhh) and Dan, Nathan and the kids all went to the pool for some swimming time.  The pool was heated so they even got to swim outside.  Not quite as neat as Snowshoe since there was no snow on the ground but still kinda cool.

After spa and swim, it was time for lunch at Stillwaters.  We had a great meal complete with lots of their yummy soft pretzel sticks.  Then we took Emily and Lauren for some girl time and pedicures while the guys relaxed in the room on their devices.  Boys...  I swear.   Anyway, Emily got her toenails painted a bright green glittery color for Christmas.

After the spa, we went to a neat liquid nitrogen peppermint ice cream demonstration and even got free samples.  Then it was time to head to Elkins for our holiday meal and train ride.  Unfortunately, this was also the time we had to say goodbye to Daddy as he had to come home to cover an evening call shift.  Poor Daddy.

We did the meal at the Railyard restaurant again this year.  It is not particularly good, but it is near the train so it is convenient and festive so it was fine.  Then we wandered through some of the little shops at the train station and did a little Christmas shopping.  Emily got a bear and I got earrings.  We picked out a t-shirt to bring home to Daddy.  Then it was time to prepare for boarding!

Once everyone was on board we left very quickly for the North Pole!  Of course we were treated to a great "hot chocolate" show en route.  There is no better hot chocolate anywhere than on Polar Express.  After we finished our cocoa, Santa paid us a visit and everyone got a special silver bell.  It was super fun!

   

Even after the train ride was over, our fun and surprises were not!  Shortly after arriving back in our room there was a knock at the door and there stood Mrs. Claus ready to read Emily a story and tuck her into bed!  What a wonderful Christmas surprise!  Emily still talks about it. 

After a good night's sleep and lots of sweet dreams, we got up on Sunday morning, packed our things and headed for breakfast with Santa back at Stillwaters restaurant.  The buffet is so amazingly good and Santa and Mrs. Claus made it all that much better.  What a great weekend and great family time with great friends too!