Durango and The Polar Express

On our way up to Durango, there is a good stretch with very little to stop at and during this trip our eldest was potty training. So, during one our stops with a little potty chair, I decided to take a few pictures of the picturesque surroundings. This horse posed for me the most of the six that were in this open pasture. You also see Derrick and Clare taking in the view and getting the fresh air.







Once to our hotel, we took in the view shortly as the sun set behind the foothills of the bigger mountains we would see tomorrow. We had a riverview room and it was lovely to hear the moving water. It just makes you feel more hydrated here. We ate our packed dinner and bathed the kids, we got into our pajamas as that is a prerequisite for the Polar Express and headed over for our adventure.









Once there, we waited for a little while in the warm depot. We then got out to the loading area where we got to see the steam engine, the Polar Express, pull in just as the book describes it, cloaked in a blanket of steam. A nice lady offered to take our picture as a family. Always appreciated.







We loaded the train and it was nice and warm inside. For awhile we enjoyed hearing the book The Polar Express read aloud, we drank hot cocoa (and apple cider that I brought for my little milk allergic guy). The conductor came through and punched all of our golden tickets. We sang Christmas carols and enjoyed all the Christmas lights as we rode along. We saw Santa Clause on his sleigh at the North Pole then we got to see him on the train. He gave every child a beautiful silver jingle bell. Hayden didn't know quite what to say to him and Clare had no idea what to make of this man with a white beard and dressed all in red. But they were quite impressed by him.















After the train ride we got to walk around the train museum and there were some beautiful displays. The kid's favorite was the large electric train table. You can even see Clare perched up on her tiptoes to see it moving around. There were beautiful train engines in there as well and old train station benches, where the kids posed together for me.







One more stop by the trains on our way out. Hayden is in front of the Polar Express (PE) caboose and then one of the depot. It was a beautifully kept train station.





Some beautiful mountain views closer to Durango Mountain Resort ski area. We probably won't get any skiing in this year, but we wanted to show Hayden what skiing looked like. He was ready to hop on the slopes that day.