Train stuck on track

Today has been such a long day at work.

First, everyone is worried about the spread of the Coronavirus.  It's not in Austin yet, but it has come to the USA and it is in a few states, including Texas. 

Second - a week ago, they said South by Southwest would not be canceled, but today at 3:50 PM they held a press conference and announced that SBSW was canceled because it brought so many people in such close proximity to each other and brought people from outside Austin creating an environment that could spread the virus. However, the other consequence of cancelling this event, is the immediate economic impact it will have on those involved in SBSW and local enterprise.  Our hotel, for example, will have cancelations equalling $500,000 dollars (that is money counted on to meet the budget).  Small businesses are hit even harder.  SBSW let go ⅓ of it's staff because they were not needed since the event was canceled.  The impact of this had everyone in a depressed mood the rest of the day.

So now I'm on the train ride home, ready to relax or enjoy games with our friends, the Perry's.  As the train leaves Lakeline (the second to last stop), the station just before mine the train slows down to a crawl.  We slow to only 10 miles per hour ... then we slow down to 5 miles per hour ... we are all curious as to what is causing the train to go so slow.  Then the train stops all together - it stops less than a quarter mile from the Leander station (my stop), the last stop.  We happened to stop while the train is over Hero Way Road.  So we are stopped and we have blocked all traffic at that intersection.  Yikes!!!  We are all still wondering what is happening.  The train was 10 minutes late, then 20 minutes late, and now that we have completely stopped, the passengers are all wondering, "what time will we be free to get off the train?" 

The conductor comes around to let us know what is the situation.  Apparently, the train was supposed to get on another track a while back, but didn't switch tracks.   Our train is on the WRONG TRACK.  We are on the track of the south bound train.  We are now blocking the south bound train from leaving Leander.  Holy Cow.  How did this happen?  This could have resulted in a head on collision.  Luckily, technology alerts automatically slowed and eventually stopped the train until a solution could be implemented.  They had the south bound train reverse back away from the station so our train could pull in and we disembark.  We ended up arriving at the station 30 minutes late.

After getting home so late, Mark and I still made it over to Ann and Kent Perry's for a late dinner and games!  What a funny story to tell.

Polar Express Ride

We had some breakfast before we left and loaded up the cars.  Mark and I rented a SUV so that we could have enough space for everyone.  Mark drove the rental car, and I drove my RAV4.  We traded who drove up and back with people.

I am so excited for this day.  I've planned it forever!  I made matching pajamas for Cayson to match the ones that she bought for the family.  We opened our traditional "Christmas Eve" present the night before "Polar Express" so we can all wear matching pajamas on the train.  

Finally it is here.  We are going to see and ride the Polar Express in Palestine,, TX.  We are going to ride it to the North Pole.  

I was like a kid, full of excitement as we embarked into the Polar Express Depo.  The train is there, their are Christmas Decorations everywhere and a store to shop at.  First things first though - since we are running a little late, I ran ahead and got the tickets for everyone.  We took some photos and then ... the called it ...

The Whole Group - Jessica, Tate, Marissa, Cayson, Betsy and Mark

We were in the regular car - because the tickets were so expensive (shhh).  So on Saturday, December  21 we drove from Austin to Palestine (about 3 hours drive) to ride the famous Polar Express.  We had to take two cars to fit everyone in - Mark, Betsy, Jessica, Tate, Cayson and Marissa.  

ALL ABOARD!!!  

We lined up to board the most magical train of the time of the year.  

On the way up we enjoyed the singing and dancing, hot chocolate, and cookies.  It was a 30 minute train ride in the country to "the North Pole."  At the North Pole we get to see the village from the train while elves dance their merriment for us.  

Cayson and his proud daddy

Ready to pull out - WHOOOO WHOOO - hear the whistle blow

Watching as we pull out.

On board they sang the songs, and danced to the song.

After that they served hot chocolate and sugar cookies.  The hot chocolate and cookies were delicious.  YUM!!! 

Everyone seemed to be having a great time together!  

Even the conductor came through the train to punch our tickets

After hot chocolate and cookies they read the story of the Polar Express from gigantic books.  

 

While on the train we had so much fun together - Mark and Marissa!!

So wonderful to be with Marissa!

Cayson is so curious.  It's so fun to see him walk up the isle to look at the other passengers on the train.  He quickly comes back when he realizes he has wondered a bit farther than he thought.  We laugh and enjoy the moment. This was so precious.  

such a cute baby

 

Isn't Cayson the cutest!!!

Jessica is so excited for the train ride - she loved it.

Yeah - We arrived at the North Pole.  At the North Pole the elves danced (I have to confess it was less than I was expecting) - it is also were Santa got on the train.  YAY!!!

The ride to the North Pole was so fun.  We talked and watched Cayson.

Santa comes on the train and talks to each of the children.  Cayson wasn't sure what to make of it, but he soon warmed up to him as long as Jessica was around too. He and his elves give everyone on the train a Silver Bell.  I can hear my Silver Bell - can you?  I will always believe!

Santa rides the train back with us to Palestine Depo.  What an enchanting opportunity to ride the Polar Express - even if we are in Texas. 

Santa with Cayson

With Santa

Tate with Cayson and Santa!

Thumbs up for a great time

Isn't Cayson so cute!  This is adorable!!! 

 

Together forever!

Who's Happy to be on the Polar Express???

With our precious grand child, Cayson

Betsy and Mark

It was expensive - but it was a memory I will have forever - I am so happy that we got to do this as a family.