My adventure on "The Polar Express"

Hi Gang,

This past Sunday, mom and I took a day trip to Phillipsburg, New Jersey.  We have taken many day trips with this bus company but this was a real Christmas treat!

First we stopped at the Phillipsburg Mall which is very nice.  Both mom and I picked up a few things, including a Christmas gifts for my brothers.  Santa was also at the mall, and it was cute to see him taking picutres with not just kids but also dogs!  We then stopped for lunch at a local Chinese all you can eat buffet, which was good.  After lunch we headed to the train station and got on the Polar Express.  Well let me tell you, these guys do a great job to make you feel like your in the animated movie!!  First we got "Gold Tickets" and the conductors came around to punch them.  The train was decorated with Christmas lights and Garland...very festive.  When the train started to move, we heard Tom Hanks yelling "All Aboard" and the music from the movie came on.  Then the Chefs came around with hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.  Once they were done serving, Santa and his elves showed up and we all got a bell attached to a red cord so you can wear it if you like.  There was lots of happy kids and picture taking all over.   After Santa, the ghost from the roof of the train showed up and also shooked hands and took pictures.  Another man came after with a banjo and we all sang Christmas songs together.  Since we were with a bus tour, we were in our own car.  When mom and I walked thru the cars to get to the gift shop, we saw many kids (and adults!) dressed in their pajama's and bath robes!!  Talk about getting into the spirit of things...LOL!!  There were many happy faces and that was wonderful to see.  We did not get anything at the gift shop, but I have my gold ticket and bell and I'm happy with that!!  :)

I wanted to share this with all of you, since we enjoyed it so much!!  It was like a day at Universal Studio's or at a Disney theme park.  It may be too late now, but for anyone who likes this movie and would like to take their kids, grandkids (or if you are a kid like me..LOL!) next year, here is their web site:   www.nyswths.org/polarexpress

Hugs,

Helena