The Polar Express

ALL ABOARD!!!! On Saturday evening, we were able to climb aboard the Polar Express in Branson, MO. We had a fun evening riding the Polar Express--Branson Scenic Railway.

We arrived at the station just in time as the conductor checked his stopwatch to see if we were on schedule to arrive at the North Pole.  With several toots of the diesel train whistle, we were ready to board the Polar Express.  We were escorted to the Silver Eagle car by our hosts and the evening of fun began.  We were able to enjoy cozy seats together in the Silver Eagle.  There were festive lights, garland, greenery, and other Christmas decorations.

The train left the station as we sat back and enjoyed the story of The Polar Express by Chris VanAllsburg.  We quickly arrived at the North Pole in Hollister, MO.  Santa and his elves were excited to see our train arrive.  From here, Santa hopped on board to visit with every child on board.  While we waited for Santa to come to the Silver Eagle car, we enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas carols, and Christmas lights.

We made great memories together as we celebrated the Christmas season!  We can't wait for Christmas to arrive!!!  Merry Christmas to all who believe!

Garrin's First Theatre Experience

Garrin was introduced to live theatre tonight. We went to see "Thomas Live On-Stage: Thomas Saves the Day". It was a fun time to get dressed up, eat dinner out, and go to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Garrin had a wonderful experience.

We prepared Garrin for his theatre experience last night. At dinner, mommy fixed his meal on his train plate from Aunt Rachelle. After finishing his dinner, he was surprised to receive three tickets to Thomas' performance for tonight. As he took a bath later in the evening, he was entertained by endless hours of YouTube videos featuring Thomas live on stage. He loved every minute of it. He couldn't wait to go see Thomas.

The show was fantastic. It was geared for every Thomas lover in the audience. It was fast paced, interactive, musical, and lots of fun! Garrin sat in awe as the curtain rose to reveal Thomas and the Island of Sodor. His attention was focused on everything that happened. Each new song, new set, and new engine brought a smile to his face.

Throughout the show, Garrin saw Thomas, Diesel, and Percy. The engineers interacted with the audience throughout the show as they invited the audience to "Toot, Toot" and "Chugga, Chugga, Woo"! It was full of singing and dancing from beginning to end.

Garrin had a wonderful experience to the theatre. He loved every moment from walking in the front door, to watching the show, to seeing the fountains in front of the theatre. Garrin loved the theatre--it must be in his blood!

Garrin's First Dentist Appointment

Garrin had his first visit to the dentist this afternoon for a routine checkup. We prepared him for his big visit by reading stories and playing dentist at home. Luckily it all paid off--he did an amazing job!

The dental hygienist, Kay, began by showing him all the gadgets in the room before she began his exam. He rode the chair up and down, watched the big light, sucked on the suctionstraw, felt the air on the dryer, and touched the spinner on the polisher. He was

impressed by all the gadgets.

The cleaning went well. He laid right back and let her clean his teeth after he made sure that it wasn't going to hurt. He sat in the chair all by himself. He kept turning his head to see what tool the dental hygienist would use next.

Kay polished his teeth with grape flavored polish. He opened his mouth wide for her to work. He was very patient while she worked quickly.At the end of the visit, Dr. Curry came in to examine Garrin's teeth. He counted all of his teeth and even found one extra. Garrin's tooth that seems to be turning sideways is actually an extra tooth. I guess Garrin is already proving to be an overachiever!

Dr. Curry and Kay were so patient and good to Garrin. Going to the dentist was a positive experience. I'm sure Garrin won't mind going back!

Garrin's 3rd Birthday

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday, dear Garrin,

Happy Birthday to you!

This song has echoed throughout our house multiple times since Garrin's 3rd birthday on March 24th. We have celebrated in numerous ways the past few days. It has been fun to celebrate Garrin!

We began our celebration on Thursday with a fun morning of birthday fun. Garrin woke to find the house decorated for his birthday. He quickly saw a new Thomas the Tank Engine Big Wheels tricycle. Then he wasted no time to open a new Geo Trax Toy Story 3 Train. He also got a Thomas Matching Game. He had fun playing at home after we ate birthday donuts.

For lunch it was off to Chuck E. Cheese. Garrin enjoyed playing lots of games in the arcade. Of course his favorites included trains, trains, and more trains! We had pizza as we were entertained by Chuck E. Cheese and friends.

On Saturday, we celebrated with our families! Everyone came to our house for an evening of food and fun. We used the garage as Garrin's Party Train Station and had lots of entertainment. We had fun playing pin the wheel on the train, stamping trains with paint, putting on train tattoos, growing trains in hot water, decorating foam trains, and playing trains. After lots of fun, we ate pizza together. Then it was off to open lots of presents. What a fun time to celebrate!

On Monday, Garrin was able to celebrate his birthday at school. He took mini-cupcakes and juice boxes for all his friends. Mrs. Karen gave him a birthday crown and a birthday sticker for his special day. He had fun with his friends at school.

We had lots of fun celebrating Garrin's 3rd birthday. We are blessed to have a healthy, happy, and wonderful son. We look forward to many more years of celebration with Garrin!