The Minivan Express

Oh, what a night!  Thanks to Jen Vander Muelen for this terrific idea that she found here.  On this first day of Christmas vacation, we decided to have a movie night and watch "The Polar Express".  Then we gathered the kids up and got them ready for bed, but . . . what to their wondering eyes did appear but a golden ticket sitting on each pillow.  After much astonishment and wondering, my delighted and flabbergasted children headed to the front door where they found their robes and slippers.  Upon opening the door they discovered "the minivan express" and their personal conductor (Daddy) - who was dressed for the part but I missed getting that perfect picture of him standing by the van..  Inside the van at each of their seats were hot chocolate and trail mix.  We set off to look at Christmas lights.  One house just a few blocks away had an amazing display set to music that you tuned to on the radio.  Then we sent to see "the" house that I had heard so much about.  You might wonder how people could load up in their cars to see ONE house but it was worth it.  Wow!  The kids were beside themselves with excitement and for a few brief moments we were "the best parents in the whole world!"