Who Knew Santa Was a Southerner?

Well. We haven't quite recovered from the shock of last week, although in some ways, as the news sinks in, it's getting a bit easier to take. A bit. We're trying and praying, though. Anyway, we had this Santa Train date with my dad planned over a month ago, and it was the perfect distraction for Alan and me and - as always - loads of fun for the boys.

The Santa train was at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. We usually go there several times a year. I think this year we just hit it at Easter Bunny and Santa time. But both were fun trips. Santa rolled up to the train station in this old fire engine. First of all, what a shock to find out that Santa is so cavalier that he would ride standing up in this vehicle. Secondly, Santa has some kind of strong southern accent. Seriously. I just figured that Santa was a Yankee. It's the NORTH Pole, after all.
We made some bead wreath ornaments in the roundhouse. I didn't think the boys would be too into this part, but they actually did really like it. They have a little tree upstairs (oh! have I paired down the decorating this year!), so they immediately put their ornaments (excuse me, "orDaments") on when we got home.

This train so reminds me of the "Polar Express." It's amazing just how big these engines are.

And here's Southern Santa! He was about the jolliest Santa I have ever seen. When Michael told him that he wanted dinosaurs for Christmas, Santa told Michael to count on it! Matthew was actually kind of shy and was hesitant to talk to Santa. So, hopefully Santa will just know what to bring him.

Here we are heading down the track. Michael and I snuggled up and Matthew sat between his daddy and his Gampy. Actually, he sat on Gampy's lap most of the way. Which, you must know, Gampy just hated. Poor Gampy. He's so willing to sacrifice for his grandsons that way. I look about four feet thick, don't I? Don't think it's stress eating...just a t-shirt and a fleece and a jacket and extra tissues and an orange and the little horses Michael bought and the compass that Matthew bought (both with their own saved up money). And probably some other stuff I've forgotten. I'll post a picture of me in my bikini next time to assure you of my svelte-osity. HA!

Thanks, Dad, for a great day. Little boys were worn out and grown-ups had a good time. Thanks for spoiling us. Yet again.