This is the Polar Express!

Most parents with small children have probably heard this over and over again. In our house, the Polar Express is one of Colin’s favorite movies (year-round). So in July, we’re still watching the Polar Express! When we found out that there was a “real” train that we could take the kids on that was called the Polar Express, we couldn’t wait to go. The kids weren’t too excited at first. Meg was a little apprehensive because of the crowds and Colin was more fascinated with the train itself than the fact that we were going to see Santa. Teagan was happy enough, but not thrilled. Until the train blasted its whistle and the conductor called out “All Aboard!!” Then everything changed. Colin couldn’t stop smiling, Meg forgot about the crowds and Teagan kept looking for Santa.

As for myself, I was looking forward to taking pictures just for us. Without worrying about perfect composition or making sure the lighting was good. In fact, the lighting here was anything but good. It was very low and even shooting ISO 3200 I had to underexpose to get even 1/30! Thank goodness for primes – I used my 35mm wide open at 1.4 for most of the trip. Try doing that with a 2.8 zoom! In retrospect, I should have brought my flash, but that would have been yet another piece of equipment to lug with me and I was really trying to travel light (5d, 35L and 85L). Next time I’ll have to add the flash to that.

Drew and the kids in front of the Polar Express

Nana and Papa came with us

Meg wasn’t sure what to think at first

Teagan was SO excited after she heard the Conductor say ‘All Aboard!

Colin kept looking out the window for Santa

Colin heard the conductor call “All Aboard”!

My dad had a good time too!

Meggie loves her Elmo slippers!

Tickets, Please!

Is that Santa coming??!!

It is Santa!!

Santa gave everyone a bell from his reindeers’ harnesses

Meggie was the only one that wanted to hug Santa

Teagan fell asleep on the way back to the station

I love this picture of Meggie and her Daddy

Colin and Papa