Polar Express n More

We just had a wonderful weekend. We have been keeping this secret for a very long time and it was exciting for my parents to come over this past Tuesday and tell the kids that we were going to the Polar Express and spending the rest of the weekend in Sedona. They were thrilled. We have never been before, which made it exciting, and I think the more you go, or the older your kids are, the less exciting it just may be. This was special, something I want them to remember. We were fortunate to have my sisters family with us also. A mini vacation with 12 of us.

We left Friday afternoon and drove to Flagstaff for dinner, and then headed to Williams for the 6:30 train. There was snow everywhere, but the weather was clear and beautiful. Kruz was beyond excited to be on a real train, and Kobi was thrilled to be served hot chocolate and cookies. Kylee was so happy sitting next to her cousin Cole that we certainly don't see enough, and the train ride was great. Kruz wanted to go faster, and they were so excited to see The North Pole and Santa's Village. Of course Santa visiting our part of the train first is always nice and the kids were excited to get their bells from Santa. Santa gave my mom a hug and gave them bells too for being so nice. That was fun.

Grandma and Grandpa received bells also.

Kylee and Cole

Kylee, Kruz and Kobi 2009

Santa giving the kids their bells.
Waiting to see the North Pole and Santa's VillageKruz and Mama

Grandma and Grandpa and the kids.

We took some great family pictures after we got off the train, bought our traditional Vacation Christmas Ornament and played in the snow. We loaded the cars and drove into Sedona. It was a quick night to bed, we were exhausted but had had a wonderful day.

Polar Express 2009

We were stating at my parents timeshare, so lots of luxuries in our 1 bedroom condo, so we had pancakes for breakfast. It was a beautiful day. About 60 and clear blue skies. We decided that the second part of the vacation was a "go." We did a bit of shopping,

Tlaquepaque

a quick lunch, and a surprise in front of our condo's at 12:45.

Big Red Jeep Tour here we come. We loaded up and headed into the backroads for a 2 hour Jeep Tour. It was so great. The kids had a BLAST. Our driver was great, and gave the kids exactly what they wanted, "faster and more bumpies" Soo fun

The BIG Red Jeep Tour

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids

Ready to go.
Dad and KruzOh no....

The Lambrigger Family + Grandma

We had time for a quick nap, and we met up for dinner at 4:00 at a great pizza place. We ordered pizza and salads and all shared. I think we all have a new favorite pizza. As we were winding up dinner, this man walks over to our table and doesn't say a word. He lays down a $1.00 bill in front of each of the kids (6). He just smiles and walks away. They kids were so excited, what a nice man. He didn't do that to any other tables, but then again there weren't any other kids in there either. We as parents were guessing he was just the manager or something. He was kinda standing by the cash register and front door. We were paying the bill still at our table and the man walks our direction again. This time he places a $5.00 bill in front of each of the adults (6). Yes, just again, only our table. WHAT....that is unheard of. He smiles and says Merry Christmas. Really, are there those kind of people in the world still today? He was still standing by the door when we all got up, and as we each passed by him, some said thank you, some shook his hand, and as I passed him and said thank you, he replied "Hope next time in might be more." I smiled and out we went. We knew as we were going out that he was actually just a man waiting for his "to go" order, and as we were pulling out of the parking lot, he was getting in his car with his 2 pizzas. What a kind man, with a kind heart, that wanted nothing in return for his kind deed. Thank you.

We drove around that night to see some lights and head into the Christmas Store, but really we were just tired. We went back to the condo's layed the kids down with a movie, and Josh and my parents sat on the couches and talked for the next few hours. I have amazing parents!!! Supportive, generous, unselfish, fun, wonderful parents. Josh and I always seem to have great conversations with them. And the topics vary each time, but I am so happy that we get along with my parents and have a relationship with them that is really indescribable. We are really very lucky.

We had a fabulous weekend and a good drive home on Sunday. Thank you mom and dad, grandma and grandpa for a great weekend. We love you.