North Pole Flyer

Every year the Austin Steam Train Association has a Christmas train, and these train rides are so popular that they sell out in August. This year I was on the ball and got us tickets before they sold out. Now since these tickets sell out 6 months in advance, I had some pretty high expectations for this train ride...think "Polar Express". They advertised that there would be hot chocolate, cookies, a story, caroling and a visit from Santa. The first hint that this may not be exactly what I pictured was when we saw families carrying blankets. We are having a cold snap in Texas, and it was 35 F when we got to the train depot. So Mel cajoles me into asking why they have blankets...you know the answer don't you? Because coach does not have heating. What?? Great. Strike one. So we get the hot chocolate, and it becomes immediately apparent that a better name for this beverage would be "stone cold chocolate water". Strike two. The carols were fun, but you could not hear the story. Strike three came when Santa visited the car and handed out, you guessed it, train whistles to all the children. I guess not all parents have a rule regarding the outdoor use of whistles, because at one point I think Mel threatened to "start shoving some whistles down children's throats." All in all, the kids had fun and that is what really counted; however, I can check this off of my list of things to do and move on. I think my toes are just now beginning to de-thaw! Merry Christmas everyone!