Journey to the North Pole

To kick off the Christmas holiday season, we headed up to North Conway for a surprise adventure.

 We stayed at Red Jacket Resort as they had a package for our visit.  The first surprise was a loft where two of the kids slept.  They could close the curtains for privacy and had their own TV and sink up there.  It gave John and I a bit of "alone" time past their bedtime rather than sitting in the dark in a regular hotel room.

 The second surprise was taking a Journey to the North Pole complete with our own golden tickets.  This trip we acquired Jerry, Victoria's new favorite lovely.  He has been with her every day since.  We were gifted 3 stuffed monkeys when we checked into the resort.  Her blankie now has competition!

 My most favorite part of the journey was riding in 1950s passenger train cars.  We learned the oldest car of theirs that still functions was from the late 1800s.  After boarding the back seats were flipped in a manner to accommodate the party size.  It was amazing to see the crew flip those backs as fast as they could to board everyone quickly and smoothly.

En route, we were served hot chocolate and given letters to complete for Santa.  It is always a trip to read what each child wrote.  Their letters certainly fit each of their personalities.  We'll see if Santa delivers was they requested!

We arrived at the North Pole!

 On our walk to Santa's workshop, a post office popped up.  The kids stamped their letters and dropped them in the mailbox.

We were treated to meeting the elfs, hearing a rendition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and speaking with Santa while he made rounds throughout the crowd.

After returning from the North Pole, we joined Nancy for pottery panting.  The resort had all sorts of activities to partake in during out stay.

Our third surprise was Kahuna Laguna - an indoor water park nestled inside Red Jacket Resort.  While there was snow outside, we enjoyed a nice 84 degree tropical oasis.

 Micah and Victoria were tall enough to ride the larger slide in a double inner tube with John or I.  But they had to wear life vests which they didn't mind at all. 

 The wave pool was everyone's favorite spot to hang out.

A kiss goodbye.....