We were given an amazing opportunity by Hopekids this year to ride the Polar Express train ride out of Williams on the Grand Canyon Railway. They choose a couple of families each year. They provide a tour bus ride to and from Williams and an overnight stay in the hotel.

Because we had the full weekend free and the hotel they booked had an indoor swimming pool, we decided to stay an extra night on our own. But the boys really wanted to ride the tour bus!

The boys and I took the bus up and Bill drove separately in the van so that we could drive home!

Hopekids gave both boys a big gift bag of Polar Express themed gifts like a blanket and a copy of the book.

Brendan brought along his favorite toy, Bendy

Trevor making himself comfortable on the bus

We have arrived!

The train station was all lit up with decorations

Here comes the train!

The train is loud!

All aboard!

The inside of the train was very fancy with Christmas lights and decorations

It was loud so the boys both used their ear muffs.

Each passenger got a golden ticket like in the movie

The conductor punched all the tickets over people’s heads

Brendan devoured the chocolate chip cookies

They read the book to all the kids, and they did the “Hot Chocolate” song and passed out hot chocolate to everyone

Santa Claus came aboard and passed out sleigh bells to everyone

Brendan took his bell from Santa but Trevor hid under the seat and didn’t want to talk to him

He was tired and didn’t like the part where they sang Christmas carols.

Sleepy Brendan too

When we got back to the station, the boys found a big pile of leaves

It was a special event and we all had a really good time!