The North Pole

The Heimer Haus was anticipating last Saturday's trip to the North Pole for weeks!!  We were blessed with nearly unheard of (for the North Pole) 50 degree temps and clear roads for the trek south to Canon City.  Canon City is home to the Royal Gorge Railroad and was the starting point for our train trip to the North Pole.  The kiddos aboard were encouraged to dress in their pajamas for stories, hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, a visit from Santa.  We made the trip with friends Cole, Amy, Grace and Sara and the girls were certainly enthralled with the magic of the elves and Santa, and the whole trip.  Grace was a bit skeptical that we made it all the way to the North Pole in less than 15 minutes, but the magic hat of her elf friend soon had her believing.  

While the trip is touted as an hour and a half up and back it is really like 15 minutes up, lots of sitting while Santa makes the rounds into each car, and the same trip back.  We thankfully ate beforehand and did not pay $13 for cheeseburgers, but the $7 "grown-up" hot chocolates were worth every penny:).  Ben loved the roof reaching windows and the bright sun on his face as well as all the hyper kids surrounding him.  Ben's mom, on day three of a horrid sinus headache, especially loved the frequent prodding by the "elves" for the children to scream carols or to chant, "we want Santa," as loud as they could while said carol blasted from a speaker inches from her head.  

We rode in the Vista Dome, glass-topped cabin

The just boarded, "what the heck is going on?" face

kisses from Gracie :)

Sara and I played photo shoot.  She did great with our big camera!

Mama's favorite pic of the trip :)

The LB clan

The Royal Gorge Bridge

Ben kept stealing my cookie after we gave him one small bite of his own.

The girls telling Santa of their wish for American Girl dolls.

Not so sure about this guy or his "gift."

Although the trip was shorter than the adults expected, the kids had a fantastic time.  We might take Ben again in 5 years when he might be more excited to see Santa.  It did also make me want to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge from the top this summer, as I've never been even with all my years in Colorado.  

We ended the day with a short visit to the Cherry Hills Church Christmas concert in Highlands Ranch.  Unfortunately, we arrived a bit late and only got in a few songs before intermission and Ben's bedtime.  The songs we did hear were PHENOMENAL!! At one point the choir had over 300 people and was backed by a full orchestra.  The light show, music, and second row seats had Ben throwing his arms in the air with giddy excitement.  We will certainly try to get tickets again next year as I have a feeling we only got a small taste of an amazing production. 

Many Thanks to Wichita neighbors Bruce and Cheryl for Ben's adorable Christmas duds.  He wore this to the concert but we didn't remember to snap a pic until right before bed.