We made our way up to North Conway, New Hampshire this morning and made it in time for lunch before heading to our Airbnb. We had a four story house with lots of staircases and hiding places for little ones that thought it was really cool. Lucy made herself right at home while the big kids checked out all the games and toys. They all got dressed in their pajamas so we could catch the polar express to the North Pole. Gemma’s feety pajamas didn’t fit in her boots, so Daddy had to improvise.
Lots of fun on the train checking in with the conductor and drinking hot chocolate. We had a short inclined hike up to Santa’s workshop when we arrived. The first stop was the North Pole post office where the kids got their letters to Santa stamped by the elves before dropping them in the box. Daddy could tell Alex was a little reluctant that he came all this way and wasn’t handing it over directly to the big guy. After Alex and Gemma stopped for some magic Christmas dust, we made it into the workshop where we were greeted by caroling elves and SANTA. As Santa made his way around to all the boys and girls, the elves put on a show. Santa came by and stopped to talk to Alex and Gemma quickly...Ben charged him and gave him the biggest crotch-level hug. Worth the trip!
After the show, Gemma insisted she have her picture taken with the head elf. She was mesmerized by all the singing and dancing. On the way back she even emphasized that Santa said everyone in the room was on the ‘nice list’...as if she felt vindicated for all of her bad behavior...just when you think she isn’t listening. Short train ride back was fun, especially after the conductors brought all the kids a bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa mentioned they would all get one and Alex had a concerned look on his face as we began to pull out and he didn’t get his yet. Sleepy-ness set in quickly on the way home:) 😴
