Chattanooga - North Pole Limited Christmas Train

  

My friend Kathy and I made plans to visit Chattanooga for a couple of days at Christmastime several weeks before we went. I was still sick at the time, but I kept praying I'd be better before the trip. I was still struggling a bit when the trip came around, but I really, really wanted to go.

Doug, Bri and I usually go to Chattanooga each Christmas, but we didn't go in 2015 because of the passing of my friend Carole that March. It was still a little too raw for me to go that year (I had visited Chattanooga with Carole several times at Christmas). 

I was finally feeling better emotionally in that regard and really wanted to experience Chattanooga again. The good news is ~ though I wasn't perfect ~ I had a wonderful time. Amazing memories were made.

We went the first weekend of December and arrived on Friday afternoon. Doug, Bri and I stayed in the same hotel as Matt, Kathy and Chani, so it made everything super easy.

We bundled Bri up in some jammies and we all headed out to the North Pole Limited train...

The girls were very excited to get to the train...

Holding hands...

We were greeted by a soldier...

The inside of the train station is warm and inviting...

Waiting for the train...

A few photos before getting on the 7:30PM train...

Train time (photo bomb by Doug)...

We like to exchange our gifts on the train. I got the girls matching stuffed kitties...

And cat ears...

So silly...

Looking at their tickets...

As the train headed toward the North Pole, story telling and singing ensued...

Pretty lights on the way...

Santa and Mrs. Claus were waiting for us...

The dads...

The elves were there to greet us too...

We started to head back to the train station, and Mrs. Claus came into our car to visit...

Then it was time for Santa to come into the car. The kids started chanting his name...



Santa arrived and wanted a little snuggle from Kathy...

Then he talked to the girls...

The girls went to the other side of the train to see if they could spot Rudolph...

It was a fun, relaxing ride and the girls had so much fun.

It was time to head back to the hotel and get some rest for the next day. The hotel room was so nice. Bri got her own room...

And there was a fireplace in the small living area...

We turned in for the night because we had a busy day planned for the next day!

Visit With Santa ~ 2016

This past Christmas season, I kind of braced myself because I wasn't sure if Briana would want to visit Santa Claus. She's 10 now, and I thought she might feel she was getting too old for it. But no, Bri still wanted to visit the big guy and that made me very happy. I'm definitely enjoying all this while I still can.

I found this beautiful dress online. I thought it would be perfect for a Santa visit...

 For the first time ever, we were first in line...

Gramma and Papa showed up once again for the Santa visit. I always love and appreciate that they do this for Briana every year...

Briana all smiles. Gramma and Papa always come bearing a gift...

Showing off her list...

Getting a little stir crazy waiting for Santa...

Finally, it was time...

Briana and Santa talked for a little while...

These are the professional shots (I know I'm biased, but Bri is just stunning)...

We bought some photos and then it was time for a Starbucks fix...

I even got in on the action...

Finally, it was time for a few camera shots and then time to head home...

I'm not sure what 2017 will bring when it comes to visiting Santa. Middle school starts in August, so things might change. Whatever Bri wants to do, I'm on board. :)

DARE Graduation and Rogue One

Before I get into "all things Christmas," a couple things did happen in December that were not Christmas related.

In the beginning of December, Briana graduated from the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program at school. The 5th graders learn not to abuse drugs and how to avoid bad behavior. It's a great program. There was a graduation ceremony and Briana received a certificate.

Briana doing a mini dab for me...

Waiting for her name to be called...

The principal addressing the students...

About to get her certificate...

The sheriff that came in each Friday to teach the 5th graders (the kids loved him)...

The music teacher put this number together and it was fantastic! So many talented kids ~ kids doing gymnastics and dance moves ~ so impressive...



Class graduates...

And on opening weekend of Star Wars: Rogue One, we of course went to see it! Bri wanted to dress up for the occasion...

Ready for the movie...

We saw it in the extreme theater in 3D...

 Briana really liked the movie, but she cried at the end. My super sensitive girl.

I had to push myself a bit to attend both events, but I made it happen! I wanted to try and make life a normal as possible for Bri. I really enjoyed both events. :)