Polar Express & PJs

Today was Polar Express day at Katie's Preschool.  We have been talking about and planning for Polar Express Day all week!  In fact, before she went to bed last night Katie must have asked me about 100 times...."Its tomorrow, right mommy?"  "Yes, Katie.  I promise, tomorrow is the day." 

One part of Polar Express Day - and possibly most important to Katie - is that all the kids get to wear pajamas to school.  Moms and Dads are encouraged to attend with their children - also wearing their PJs.  Katie actually woke me up at 2:15 AM this morning, SO EXCITED, and asked if it was time to start getting ready yet.  When I said "No, its still a long time before morning" she said, "but mom, this is taking forever!"  To which I responded, "actually, what's taking forever is for you to go back to sleep."  At 3:45 she finally did. 

Morning came -- much to slowly for her and a bit too early for me.  We both got dressed into our bedtime best, and I wanted get a few pictures before we left the house.  Katie was all too eager to pose for pictures - proof once again she really was into this whole Polar Express/PJ thing. 

** On the car ride she kept saying "Mommy, I cant wait to show my Mickey Mouse slippers to all my friends!" **

Finally we got to school and headed to her classroom.  Each child was given a train ticket by Ms. Hannah.  The class proceeded into the fellowship hall of the church/school where the conductor punched their tickets and they boarded the train. 

Next, the music teacher read The Polar Express book.  At the end of the reading, each of the children got their own bell and they all started singing "Jingle Bells", and "Here Comes Santa Claus."  At the end of "Here Comes Santa Claus", the big man himself appeared!  Katie was so shocked, I'm not sure she knew what to do with herself.  Her face was just priceless!!!  Finally, each of the kids got a chance to sit on Santa's lap, and talk with him for a bit about their Christmas wish list.  We finished the morning with a class picture and some snacks.

Today was a pure joy!  I know when she is older, this will be one of those moments I will look back on with a huge smile on my face.  It is so much fun to live the traditions of Christmas through your child, to see their face light up when they see Santa, and to see the excitement in their wiggly little bodies as they get geared up for this Holiday.  In the words of the country song..."Yeah, that's the good stuff."