Always Believe......

Joshua & Luke before riding on the Polar Express.

Dear Joshua and Luke,

Yes, I still believe in Santa Claus, Christmas, and miracles.  I can still hear the bell ring each and every year especially at Christmas.  I hope that by the time you both read this, you will still be able to hear the bell.  (At least you better be able to still hear it! :)  ) 

After about 100 times of reading the story Polar express, we finally made it on our very own ride on the Polar Express right out of Branson, MO.  It was unbelievable that you could get to the North Pole and back in about one and a half hours.  And it was such a fun ride! 

Daddy & Luke on the Polar Express.

Both of you picked out new pajamas and slippers for the train ride.  Luke chose Phineas and Ferb pajamas with Spiderman slippers while Joshua chose Star Wars pajamas with light up Rudolph slippers.  You both looked absolutely adorable!  Several weeks ahead of time, Luke even packed a small travel bag (also known as my old cow purse) to carry a few books, a compact travel game, his small heart pillow, and a Lego.

We loaded the train right away in first class seats.  We had our own private dining table on the ride.  As we got on the train, the conductor started reading The Polar Express book. 

Luke & Mommy on the Polar Express.

Then, the chef started serving us unlimited hot chocolate with whip cream and cookies.  Grammy baked some very special chocolate chip cookies that were safe for Joshua.  Everyone at our table wanted to eat Grammy's cookies instead of the ones that were provided on the train.  Grammy's  cookies were very yummy.  We sang Christmas carols and read the books we had brought from home. Before long we actually made it to the North Pole and saw some elves tossing around packages.  But best of all, we saw Mr. & Mrs. Claus!  We picked them up from their house at the North Pole, and they rode back to Branson with us!  They came around and gave each of you a silver bell. You also had a chance to tell Santa once again what you wanted for Christmas.  Luke proudly announced that he wanted a Red Ryder BB gun and Luke wanted a Lego Table.  Santa asked Joshua if he had seen the movie about the boy wanting a Red Ryder BB gun.

Luke proudly shows off his silver bell from Santa Claus.

This trip on the Polar Express reminds us to always believe.  After all these years, I have never seen a  reason not to believe.  In years to come, there may be other kids or people that try to tell you that Santa is not real.  I am here to tell you that it is completely untrue.  Santa is as real today as he was when I was a little girl.  As long as you  continue to believe, Christmas will be just as special to you.

I love you both more today than yesterday.

Love,
Mama