The "Minivan" Express

Wow it seems like forever since I have blogged.  I am starting to feel better and really wanted to share this new Tradition we started this year.

I have mentioned it many times before, but I love Pinterest.  I love that many of my friends use it too.  Thanks to my friend Crystal I was able to do this fun and memorable event with my kids.  It is called The "Minivan" express.  Yep just like the Polar Express.  Of course we don't own a train so our van became the polar express.  Here is what you will need to start this wonderful family tradition with your children next Christmas.

First you will need to print your tickets off.  I found mine over at Memories are the Scraps of Life. The actual link to the tickets can be found on her page or you can just go HERE.  I found some great gold paper at our local scrapbooking store.  You could print it off anywhere but the gold really gave it that special touch. 

While the kids were getting ready for bed with Daddy I made Hot Chocolate and Popcorn.  The kids could smell the popcorn so I had to tell them we were going to make popcorn balls the next day.  I hid their tickets under their covers for them to find when they climbed in.  Daddy saw and heard all the excitement of discovering the tickets, because I was outside in the car ready to great the kids. 

"All Aboard!"  Before entering the car they each had to show me their ticket to get it punched (just like in the movie).  Daddy came out and we were ready for the ride.  A little bit down the road the Hot Chocolate song came on and the kids discovered their Hot Cocoa and Popcorn bags.  Razy thought the ticket meant that we were going to go ride the real Polar Express.  After some explaining we told her she was in the Minivan Express and we were on our way to go see some pretty Christmas Lights.  Razy is NOT a fan of Santa.  So we had to assure her that we would not be stopping to see the big man in red.   We found some beautiful lights.  Here are a couple of our favorites. 

This was just a little house, but it had hundreds or lights. 

This next house was the whole reason we traveled 30 mins to the next town to see.  It was amazing.  I wish pictures did it justice.  We were first greeted by this giant snowman.  Then a sign that said "Drive Thru".  The owners let you drive their u shaped driveway to see the whole yard.

This is the entry to the driveway.  On the left is a carousel that spun and trees and bushes that were covered in lights.

The Nativity

Here was the landing dock for Santa and his sleigh.  You can even see Santa taking off in the distance.

And last but not least Santa in his big delivery truck.



After seeing the lights we headed home.  Of course we had to stop for an icecream treat.  When we got home we sent the kids upstairs to rebrush their teeth and get into bed.  This is where they found their last surprise.  On each of their pillows was a bell, that was left by Santa while we were gone.  They were so excited.  It was the perfect touch to the end of a wonderful night.  Just what I needed to help me get into the Christmas spirit.  

What are some of your family Chirstmas traditions?  New or Old?