This boy LOVES trains, so instead of your typical "train-theme birthday bash", the Hodges planned for a real train ride! We were very lucky to join their family for journey on the Polar Express.
We drove about 2 1/2 hours to Jacksonville, TX for lunch and birthday cake with Hodges family! Yes, we were the only non-family, but we were so thankful to be part of the celebration! 
Check out this cake Jana made. WOW! What an awesome train cake!
Of course our friend did not want to nap the entire way, so when we got there she was a little fiesty. Hmmmm...I have no idea where she gets that! Anyway, we saw more trees and winding roads today then we have in our entire lives! Thank goodness they put out balloons or we may have never seen our turn off to head up the lane, just past the tall trees, and dead end at grandma's house. HA! Seriously. That was part of our directions and we made it there. Perfect! Anyway, the kids had a little energy to get out, so they went exploring in the woods (grandma's backyard).
AH! We could never live somewhere like this because we saw this...
Okay! Off to the train. It was about 30 minutes from grandma's house. Thank goodness because our friend needed a nap, big or little. 
Finally! Brandt has been waiting for this day. He was so stinkin' excited he could hardly contain himself. He did not want to take his eye off of the train, in fear that it would leave without him! Laela was excited too! She did not know why she was so excited, but she was just thrilled to be there. 
Here are the Hodges watching and waiting for the train to enter the station and pick up all of the passengers. This was an awesome spot to be standing in, until they blew the whistle. WOW...that was loud!
YEA! The train is here. 
We are on and ready to go to the North Pole! They even served hot cocoa and rice krispie bars. YUM! 
Brandt was so serious while he patiently waited to travel on the Polar Express. What an awesome birthday gift!
Oh! While we were on the train, the conductor even came by to punch our ticket. Laela thought that was very cool and she gave him a high five! 
Finally! We made it to the North Pole. Apparently, Santa must have been cold at the North Pole, so he hopped on and rode back with us. 
Laela was beside herself when she saw Santa in our train car. She stood up and she was waving to him with both hands, yelling "Santa is here, Santa is here!" 
Well, it turned out to be a different story when that big jolly man got closer. He was giving all of the kids bells, so Laela took hers and quickly turned around. Then Santa sat next to her for a picture and she WAS NOT HAPPY! Yikes! We may not have any Santa pictures this year. 
We sang Christmas carols, saw Santa and truly enjoyed our train ride. Once we got back to the station, the kids ran and played for a few minutes and we were off! Back on the road again.
Our 12 hour day was very long and very eventful. Oh! A first for Laela...she had to pop-a-squat on the side of a dark country road. She had to go really bad, so what else do you do? :) Oh well...it was bound to happen sometime in her life! Overall...this was another wonderful Saturday. We are truly blessed to have wonderful friends to share special times. Thank you to the Hodges for letting us join your family today. Ro, Laela, and I will always remember this special day!
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