The Holiday Express Train

Yesterday afternoon the Holiday Express Train made a stop at the Kansas City Southern Lines yard in Beaumont. It is the 10th anniversary for the train & it distributes gift cards to the Salvation Army for children in need at stops along the route. It is a six-car train & it carries Santa Claus & his elves! It is making stops in 21 communities in seven U.S. states! We are so glad it stopped in Beaumont. I remember hearing about it when we were living in Greenville, MS because it makes a stop in Vicksburg, MS...but we were never able to check it out.

The kids were excited to see & walk through a real live train! The kids took a picture with Santa & then we toured three of the cars. The highlight was seeing Santa for sure! Luke was so excited that he didn't get scared! As soon as he got off Santa's lap he told us, "I not get scared! He's gonna bring me presents!" Grace was such a big girl, too! I think it helps to have a sibling close by when you are sitting on Santa's lap!!

Inside the three cars that we toured were pictures of each reindeer & a bunch of Santa Claus statues and other Christmas decorations. In two of the other cars there were several model trains including The Polar Express & a model of The Holiday Express (the train we were on)! This was definitely Luke's favorite part. He was mesmerized!!

As we were leaving the train, one of the elves helping Grace off decided that he wanted to trade his elf hat for her jacket. He put his hat on her head, but she didn't give up her jacket! She thought that was so funny & talked about it on the way home! As we got of the train the kiddos were given little goody bags & we headed home.

It was definitely a fun thing to do to help celebrate the holidays! We can't wait for next year!!