The "Pilot Express"

Last night we tried a new idea I found on Pinterest.  It was sort of a knock off from the movie, The Polar Express.  As the children were finished with dinner and winding down for bedtime, Daddy asked them to go and get their pajamas on.  Mommy and Daddy also joined in the fun and put our pajamas on as well.  Lily, not having a clue that we were planning something exciting, complained the entire time "It's too early to get my P.J.'s on!, I don't want to put on a robe and slippers...it's too hot!", etc., etc."  Had her Daddy and I not been so excited about this event, it might have ruined the mood.  Luckily, it didn't and after the kids were dressed, Daddy took them out to the car.  While they were in the car, I scurried to get popcorn popped, chocolate milk mixed and in spill-proof cups :), and licorice ready and bagged up for the car.  I put my Santa hat on and grabbed these tickets on my way out the door...

The Pinterest website had these already pre-made and ready to print!  They were so cute and a resemblance to the ones on The Polar Express.  I opened the car door and gave each child a ticket telling them we were going for the ride on the "Pilot Express" (heh, heh...we drive a Honda Pilot) and they needed a ticket!  Lily's eyes opened so wide when she saw the tickets.  I then proceeded to hole-punch each ticket to confirm we were ready to go!!  Here they are with their tickets...

Santa was driving!

Even Kelsey had a seat on the "Pilot Express"! :-)

We decided to head out to the "Christmas in the Park" display at Longview Lake in Lees Summit.  It's become a tradition for our family, and Daddy remembers going when he was a kid!  They had their 25th anniversary this year for their light display so there were some new displays added this year to celebrate.

I have to add that Lily asked the entire 15-20 minute drive, "Where are we going?"  That poor girl is just like her mother...she can't relax until she knows the plan!  Even when it is something fun!  I had to chuckle.

 We finally arrived to "Christmas in the Park"!  (Apologies for the poor pictures...either my camera is not advanced enough, or light displays are not intended to be photographed. :)

At this time, I decided to open the bag of goodies and start serving up!  The kids were thrilled!  Popcorn for all!

This boy LOVES his "pah-corn" :-)

 And then we had chocolate milk!  Here Jackson is showing it off for the camera...

 I tried to get a couple of shots of the displays but most came out fuzzy.  Of course, the pictures do not do them justice.  :(

 

 The kids (and Mommy & Daddy too!) had a great time!  It was fun to add a little unexpected excitement to the Christmas season of activities!  Definitely planning to keep this new tradition going.