Polar Express, which was nearly...

...the Vomit Comet.

Paige's parents came out for Christmas this year. Paige picked up some tickets to go to northern Arizona and ride the Polar Express while they were here. Even my mom and sisters were coming with. We had tickets for the Monday evening train.

Sunday night, Paige said she didn't feel so well, and ended up spending a good portion of the night in the throne room. About 1 AM, Ella started hurling. At 3 AM, Levi joined her. I spent most of the night on the floor, waiting to be awakened by calls for buckets, and washing bedsheets. When we woke up in the morning after very little sleep, Paige's mom was also feeling ill.

We postponed our planned morning departure as long as possible. Levi seemed to have totally recovered, Ella was doing pretty good, but Paige was contemplating staying home from her own trip. In the end we decided to make a run for Williams, and if Paige was still sick she could stay in the hotel.

By the time we got to Williams, she had recovered enough to brave the train, and we all boarded in the evening.

Paige had purchased matching pajamas for all the kids...


And herself...


And her parents...


And my mom...


who even added some fancy slippers...


After reading the Polar Express book, eating cookies, and drinking hot chocolate, we arrived at Santa's Village.


Santa boarded the train and passed out bells.



On the ride back, our kids were even brave enough to get up in front of the whole train and lead one of the Christmas carols.


Video. If nothing else, skip to 1:56 for Noah's "fa la la la la, la la la la"s He was really into it.


And yes, in case you were wondering, Paige also purchased matching PJs for me...




After all the drama, we did not turn the Polar Express into the Vomit Comet.

The end...