All Aboard...

first stop, the Maddux Christmas Extravaganza! Since the Maddux side were all together in Frisco to celebrate my nieces' birthdays, we decided to go ahead and do our family Christmas that weekend too. Mimi surprised all the kids with a special trip on the North Pole Express!

 None of us have had the pleasure of a Polar Express type adventure, so I think us adults were just as excited as the kids :). Everyone (oh yes...adults too!) all put on our pj's and jumped on board with glee! I must confess that there are few perks for having a disabled child and this situation is definitely one...we got to pre-board before everyone else without waiting in line and we got to make sure our entire crew was sat together with him. As you can see, Max was delighted about this new experience...

The girls' were absolutely adorable and kept peaking out the window thinking they were on the way to the North Pole...

 Thankfully it was dark outside because they might have been a tad bit disappointed in the scenery since this was more of a train experience and holiday atmosphere rather than picturesque view. When we began to pull out, the conductor came by and punched every one's tickets which was one of Kason's favorite parts...

We all had the best time smiling together, singing Christmas carols, passing the kids around sharing tickled glances while they bubbled with excitement...

 Towards the end of our ride, Mrs. Clause came through the cab to pass out a jingle bell to each child...

 Let's just say she was AMAZING! She took her time talking with each kid, genuinely smiling and sharing a moment with them. The kids were ecstatic to meet her and listen to see if they could hear their bell ring.

 I'm thinking this Mimi and Doc were in grandkid heaven...I know the munchkins were! When we arrived at our final destination...

 The kids unloaded and wound their way through a traill of trees while snow sprinkled on them...

 until they reached Santa's workshop. They let the kids sit on stairs at the front of the stage, up close to see the action...

 It was a really cute show with elves and Santa...I think the kids really enjoyed it. Santa even passed out chocolate milk and Sadie got one... 

Then he went around the room shaking hands and saying hi to all the kids...

On the way out, everyone got their own mug of chocolate milk, which of course we had to cheers to!

 Before we left, we stopped to write Santa our traditional letter. Kason has been informing Zoe for several weeks that all these Santa's she has been seeing aren't the real thing...haha!

But he did also inform her it was important to write him directly since he is working so hard in the North Pole to let him know what we are wanting and where we will be. I helped Zoe by writing down what she told me to say, but Kason wrote his all on his own...

 Then it was off to the mailbox!

We can't thank Mimi and Doc enough for spoiling all of us (adults included!)...

 it was a holly jolly good time! 

The next morning we slept in, enjoyed a lazy breakfast, and opened presents...

 All the grands were treated to new pj's, slippers, robes, and sleeping bags...

 Let's just say these sleeping bags were a hit! Daniel and I requested ones we could actually take camping, so our munchkins have been trying them out by camping in their beds at night :).

*I just thought the above picture was too cute not to share with two of my favorite guys.*

Sadie has been playing school lately, so this teacher heart couldn't resist getting her a Melissa and Doug pretend teacher set!

What a fun weekend filled with joy as we shared in great company and created new memories with the cousins. Not only do I love this time of year, but I LOVE these people!