As I mentioned in my review of Big Splash Adventure, we received a special deal on our room and the ability to purchase tickets for the Polar Express train ride. Our 3 year old, great-nephew had never seen Polar Express so we had a little pre-trip fun a few weeks earlier.
Before the Trip
I figured the train ride wasn’t going to be special if Jeremiah didn’t know anything about the Polar Express. We scheduled an overnight visit for a special movie viewing. For dinner I made hot dog stockings. I got the idea from Cute Food for Kids. I wanted more than just plain hot dogs. I thought it might work if I wrapped crescent rolls around them; like pigs-in-a-blanket. I was wrong. They weren’t horrible but I believe I will just use the hot dogs the next time.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: hot dog stockings
I decorated Jeremiah’s chocolate milk container and cups for our popcorn to look like snowmen. I got both of those ideas from Creative Kid Snacks: Snowman Milk Chugs & Snowman Popcorn Cups.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: snowman milk and popcorn cupsMaking Memories with the Polar Express: strawberry Santas
Jeremiah helped me make fruit Santas. He loves to help me cook and create in the kitchen. We made these cute little Santa Strawberries I found them on Pinterest. They came from Leanne Bakes. I tried using tiny chocolate chips for eyes but I really think they are too big. Next time I may try chocolate sprinkles.
We also made Santa-kabobs. (I renamed them) They are actually called Grinch Kabobs by Nourishing Minimalism. I changed the name because we were watching a movie about Santa not the Grinch. I use plastic, coffee stir sticks for my skewers. They seem to be safer than a sharp stick for little hands and mouths.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: creating Santa kabobs
We gathered the food, changed into our pajamas, turned off the lights and settled in to watch The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks. If you have never seen the movie, it’s about a little boy that can’t decide if he still believes Santa is real. A mysterious train shows up in the street right outside his front door, on Christmas Eve. It’s there to pick him up, along with other children, and take him to the North Pole. I’m not very fond of the animation. It’s a little strange, to me, but I really enjoy the storyline. There are plenty of laughs and plenty of action. And something I am quite fond of, lots of music.
Jeremiah enjoyed the movie and the special food; especially the Santa kabobs. He ate at least six of them. We didn’t tell him anything about our plans for the following weekend. Since he is only 3 years old, his concept of time is a bit askew. When he knows there are plans coming up with us, he drives his mom nuts, daily, asking if we are there to pick him up.
One of the other things I did, in preparation for the trip, was purchase a MP3 of the soundtrack from the Polar Express. We love to listen to music in the car so I thought this would be another good way to expose him to the music and story of the Polar Express.
The Announcement
We were able to have an extended weekend with Jeremiah, which worked out nicely. We picked him up Friday evening and didn’t get him back home until Monday evening. Our reservations at the Big Splash Adventure and for the Polar Express train ride were for Sunday night; which meant we had several opportunities to listen to our Polar Express soundtrack. Jeremiah likes to sing along, which is absolutely adorable. Of course, I sing along with him.
We waited until Saturday morning to tell Jeremiah about our trip and the ride on the Polar Express. I wish I had taken a video of his expression when we told him. As he began to understand what we had just revealed to him, his eyes grew wide and what started out as a sweet little grin soon grew into a huge smile that brightened his whole face.
Jeremiah is a thinker. That is why we told him a little early about the ride on the Polar Express. I knew his little mind would go to work and he would probably have some questions. Sure enough, within just a couple of minutes, he asked, “Will we go on the ice?”
If you are unfamiliar with the movie, there is a scene where the train tracks are frozen under several feet of ice. The train can’t stop before it hits the ice which results in it sliding and spinning across the frozen lake. We assured Jeremiah that it was too warm for ice and we would be just fine.
Preparing for the Ride
When you go to the Polar Express website, they encourage the children to wear pajamas (like the children in the video). Parents are welcome to join in the fun and wear their pajamas too. Well, I’m just a big kid so I bought us all pajamas that matched (as closely as I could get them).
We dressed in our pajamas and our slippers and got ready for our adventure.
There are a few mistakes that I made and I want to share those with you so you can be a bit more prepared than I was.
1. This was my first visit to the French Lick Scenic Railway. I thought there would be a depot for us to wait in until it was time to board the train. That was mistake #1. There were a couple of tents set up with different activities but no actual building.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Activity TentsMaking Memories with the Polar Express: It rained…a lot!
2. Pay attention to the weather report then dress and prepare accordingly. Because of the incorrect assumption, under #1, we were not prepared for the rain…not just a little rain…a ton of rain. By the time we walked from the car to the tents, stood in water and puddles (as it ran through the tents), then walked (through the rain) to our passenger car (which of course was the last one), our slippers were soaked! To add insult to injury, we didn’t have any umbrellas. I hate umbrellas. I feel I get wetter from the water dripping off the edges than I do just walking through the rain. In this instance, I really wish I had an umbrella.
I hope I haven’t given you the idea that this ruined our experience because it didn’t! I just wanted to give you a heads up so you don’t make the same mistakes that I did.
The Train Ride
Now for the fun stuff; the ride itself. I don’t know if Jeremiah could have been anywhere nearly as excited as I was. I was excited to experience the Polar Express and I was excited to witness Jeremiah enjoying it.
As we reached our passenger car, the conductor was standing there in the rain to greet us. We boarded and found our seats. I kept hold of the tickets until the conductor came by to punch them. Then we each handed the conductor our individual ticket. He punched it until it “snowed” little dots all over us.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Conductor & tickets
The music from the Polar Express soundtrack played over the speakers. As the train started to move out of the station, we were introduced to the elves that would be serving and entertaining us. They were so cute and bubbly.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Our elves
During our ride to the North Pole, the Polar Express story was read. The conductor came by a couple of times to show us the pictures in the book. At the appropriate times in the story, the elves would come out and sing with us.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Entertainment
One of my favorite songs is Hot Chocolate. I bet you will never guess what happened when they sang that one. Yes, we each got a cup of hot chocolate and then they brought us a Christmas cookie! Yum!
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Hot chocolate and cookies
Thank goodness the family sitting in front of us had been on this adventure before. If something was said to give us a hint of what was about to happen, I missed it. But the family in front of us, got up and started frantically cleaning the fog off their windows. They did tell all of us that we needed to start watching out the windows on the right side of the train. We cleaned off our windows and started watching. Before we knew it, Christmas lights appeared on several buildings and there in front of one of the building stood…..none other than Santa Claus and some elves. We had reached the North Pole! I have a confession to make here and now…I am a sentimental sap…I teared up at the sight of them (and I’m tearing up again, just writing about the experience).
As we pull into the North Pole, the train came to a stop. We didn’t get off but someone special boarded the train. Can you guess who it was!?!
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Santa
Yes-siree! It was the jolly man, himself, Santa Claus. He entered from the back of our car so Jeremiah didn’t see him but when we said, “Jeremiah! Look who just got on the train. It’s Santa Claus!”
He scampered up onto the seat and peered to the back of the car. He was so excited. He asked, “Is Santa going to come see me?”
We told Jeremiah that he was, but Santa had to greet all the children on his way up to us. Now, I wasn’t really sure how Jeremiah was going to handle meeting Santa because he had been kind of bashful during the trip so far. We tried to get him to move to the aisle so he could see better, but we wanted to stay between window and me or between my husband and me.
He watched as Santa worked his way up the aisle. When it was Jeremiah’s turn there was no problem getting him into the aisle. He rushed out and hugged Santa’s legs. Santa picked him right up. They had their picture taken together (which I haven’t received yet but I will add it when it comes in) and Santa gave him something special.
If you haven’t seen Polar Express, you might not know what the gift was so I will tell you. One of the themes of the movie is that anyone that no longer believes in Santa can’t hear the Christmas bells. So Jeremiah’s gift from Santa was a beautiful silver bell. I will tell you right here and now that all of us could hear the bell, because we believe in Santa Claus.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: jingle bell and hot chocolate
The ride from the North Pole back to French Lick was filled with singing and dancing. Jeremiah finally got comfortable enough to go out into the aisle and dance with the elves.
Making Memories with the Polar Express: Dancing with elves
It was a magical night where memories were made. Sweet Dreams!
Making Memories with the Polar Express: sweet dreams
Has your family ever been on a Polar Express train ride? If so, I would love to hear about your adventure.
Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for the post. I just wanted to share the fun we had and give you some ideas as to how you could recreate it. There are a few affiliate links throughout the post.
Click on an item below to learn more about how to make or purchase it (affiliate links included):
On Saturday, November 22, my husband, oldest daughter and great-nephew decided to head to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Even though it was on my November Family Friendly Events calendar, I totally forgot that it was the opening of Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. I was excited because I had never been to a Jolly Days’ event.
The lobby area is so festive with its snowflakes, over-sized snow globes and two-story Yule Slide.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Two-Story Yule Slide!?! Oh, yes! Jeremiah was pretty excited about it too. Heather took him up and got in line.
My husband and I stood at the bottom to get pictures. It looks like so much fun.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland: Yule Slide
I really want to try it sometime. I guess we will have to make another trip back there. You are never too old for the Yule Slide.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland: Snow Castle
There are so many fun activities to participate in. Your child can “skate” in his/her socks on the special “ice” rink. There is a place for a fun snowball fight. The snowball fight is set for certain times so be sure to check out the schedule so you don’t miss it. The Snow Castle is beautiful but you can’t climb on it if you are too big. It has a slide too but it’s much smaller than the Yule Slide.
Jeremiah’s favorite part was the “ice” fishing. He spent a lot of time at each of the holes. He hooked quite a few.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland: Ice Fishing
We missed the area where you could “bake” holiday treats. I guess we will have to go back and visit.
There was one more thing we missed. We were too early for Santa’s arrival. He didn’t arrive until the 28th of November. He is there now so that’s one more reason we need to make another trip to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland: Santa’s Place
Have you made it to Jolly Days Winter Wonderland? What is your favorite part? Be watching for me on the Yule Slide. I’m gonna get my turn!
*** Update 9/3: Congratulations to Angela Miller and Drew Tipton Conrad. Each of you win a pair of tickets to the pre-sale for the Whale of a Sale Children’s Consignment Event. With your tickets, you can enter this evening, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. (before it’s open to the public). All you have to do is give your name at the entrance. Thanks so everyone that participated in this give-away. I hope each of you will find more useful information on my blog. God bless each and everyone of you. ~ Mama Carmody
I don’t promote many sales on my blog but when I see something that can help parent’s out, by saving them money, I have to share it.
I was able to attend a Whale of a Sale event last year. I was very impressed with how well organized everything was. The items were clean and in wonderful shape. You will be able to find brand name items at excellent prices. As well as clothing, you will be able to find toys, puzzles, DVD’s and other wonderful Christmas gift items.
Whale of a Sale has given me the opportunity of give-away 2 pairs of pre-sale tickets. The pre-sale is open only to those with tickets on Wednesday (9/3) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is a short give-away so enter now. I will post the winners on Wednesday morning.
The event will be taking place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Agriculture Horticulture Building:
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
$5 for Parking but Admission is Free
Here are the times Whale of a Sale will be open to the general public:
Enter the give-away to be able to enjoy the sale before it’s open to the public. There will be 2 winners that will each receive a pair of tickets to Whale of a Sale pre-sale on Wednesday evening (9/3) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Disclaimer: I was given 4 tickets and a parking pass to attend Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo. However, I was not influenced by the promotional materials. All opinions and insights are my own.
The temperature was approximately 34͒ F, which was double the temperature from the day before (thanks goodness). We bundled up our little Texan (my 4 ½ month old grandson) and headed out to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
This was the welcoming view we received as we entered the zoo.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
I couldn’t wait to get inside to see how the rest of the zoo was decorated. It was even more beautiful and magical than I remembered. My pictures hardly capture the beauty but you can at least get an idea.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
One of the first animals to greet us were the seals. One of them was barking quite loudly. We walked over to take a look but he was hiding among the rocks so we didn’t get a good look at him from up top. We did get to see him swimming from underneath though.
We were waiting on some family members to show up so we decided to walk over to the gift shop to wait inside. We didn’t want the little one getting too cold. On our way, we ran into one of Santa’s reindeers.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Santa’s Reindeer
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: The Oceans Building at the Indianapolis Zoo
Our next stop was the Oceans’ building. It was a warm place with lots of interesting animals to interact with.
Petting sharks was a hit with the whole family (no matter what the age).
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo, Petting Sharks
We enjoyed spending time looking at the penguins; even though they seemed to be resting.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Checking out the Penguins
There were so many wonderful things to see in the Oceans exhibit.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo: Oceans Exhibit
It was too dark for me to get a good picture of the polar bear but he was sitting right next to the window. We were able to get a good look at him.
We then walked over to the Dolphin Pavilion. I found out, from my sister, that we were supposed to have been offered tickets for the dolphin show when we went through admissions but it wasn’t mentioned, so we didn’t have tickets. My sister and her family came in after us and they were offered tickets so they got them, but then didn’t go to the show since we couldn’t. I thought that was really sweet. We did go underneath and watch the show from below. It was interesting from below too. I think it would have been nice if they would have the audio for the show running through speakers down below so we knew exactly what was going on.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
It was getting late for my grandson so he got fussy, because he was ready for bed, so we cut our trip short. We are hoping to get back there this week, if the weather permits. Regardless of whether we get back this year or not, we will be back. It was beautiful and the snow made it magical. I hope you and your family gets a chance to enjoy Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Snow and Lights during Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo
Love to Learn the Meaning of Candy Canes for Christmas
Candy Canes: Although there may not have been any spiritual meaning to the candy cane when it was first introduced, Christians can find many symbols pointing us to Jesus from this simple Christmas treat. Some things to observe (taken, in part, from The History of the Candy Cane):
Shaped like a Shepherd’s staff, which attended Jesus’ birth and Jesus is referred to as the Great Shepherd
Turned upside-down it looks like the letter J for Jesus
The candy is hard like the Solid Rock (Jesus) who is the foundation of the church
The white of the candy represents the purity of Jesus
“Teach the children that the cane represents The Shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiral design is a symbol that we are, our brother’s keepers.” (A quote from the story, “Teach the Children the True Meaning of Christmas”)
There are actually a couple of easy crafts to do with pipe cleaners. Have fun making them and decorating your Christmas tree or hanging them around the house. They also make great presents for kids to create and give to grandparents, aunts, uncles or other family and friends.
Materials Needed:
Materials for Pipe Cleaner Candy Cane Craft
White pipe cleaners
Red pipe cleaners
Red pony beads
White pony beads
Instructions:
1) Choose a pipe cleaner. It doesn’t matter if its red or white.
2) Pick a red bead and put it on the pipe cleaner. Loop the end of the pipe cleaner around this first bead to secure it so it won’t fall off.
3) Now take a white bead and slide it down on top of the red bead. Keep changing colors; next a red then a white, continuing the pattern.
Candy Cane Craft
4) Once you have the pipe cleaner filled, be sure sure to wrap the end of the pipe cleaner around the last bead so it doesn’t fall off.
5) Then bend the top of the pipe cleaner over to make the hook part of the candy cane.
There you go…a beautiful candy cane to decorate with or give as a present.
Finished Candy Cane Craft
Another simple candy cane craft:
1) Take one white and one red pipe cleaner.
Candy Cane Craft with Pipe Cleaners
2) Simply twist them together.
3) Then bend the top of the pipe cleaners over to make the hook part of the candy cane.
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!
I usually have a list of foods that would be great for snacks or meals but this topic makes for a rather limited variety of foods BUT I did find a great post, by Barbara Shelby. She has several ideas of things you can do with candy canes other than just eat them. For example, use them as stir sticks or smash them into pieces and use them in your favorite recipes. She even suggests crushing them into a fine powder and using them as a flavored sugar. For more detailed ideas go to her post, “Candy Canes and Peppermint Candy Ideas”.
Another fun way to incorporate candy canes into your meal time would be to make your child a Bento lunch. Bento meals are something new to me (thanks Pinterest). They are common in Japanese cuisine. One style of Bento meal is decorated to look like people, animals, buildings and monuments, or items like plants (or candy canes). Here are a few links to blogs that have candy cane bento meals. Maybe they will inspire you:
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
Reading Level: 6 and up
This is a sweet story about a stranger that comes to a small town to open a store. The mayor hoped it was a doctor. The ladies hoped it was a tailor that would make beautiful dresses. The farmers hoped the man was a trader that would exchange their grain for goods. Can you guess what the children were hoping the store was? Yes, they were wishing for a candy store and their wish came true. The man had a strange candy that they hadn’t seen before. It had red and white stripes and it hooked on the end. Do you know what kind of candy it was? Read the story to find out more about this wonderful candy and its special meaning for Christmas. **I put the reading level at 6 years old and above because one of the things the story talks about is Jesus dying on the cross and the red blood that He shed. I believe it is appropriate but I wanted to make sure you were aware of this part of the story. I read the story to my 4 and 5 year old preschool class but I was teaching at a Christian preschool.
