The Polar Express

On Sunday, we surprised the kids with a trip to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express, aka Texas State Railroad, in Palestine Texas.  We arrived about an hour before departure to walk around a bit, take some pictures, shop, and prepare for the ride.  Prior to boarding, they reenacted a scene from the movie and then allowed us all to board.  We were in the Open Air car which made for a chilly ride (especially coming back) but we had coats and blankets, so we were prepared.  One the way they served cookies and hot chocolate.  After arriving at the North Pole, Santa came aboard and gave every child a bell from his sleigh.  We stayed overnight in Palestine which is always a fun treat for the kids staying in a hotel.  The hotel even had Polar Express craft time in the lobby in the afternoon before we left.  My parents came along.  It was good to spend time with them as well. 


Craft Time at the Hotel:

making paper trees

making bead candy canes

writing a letter to santa

The Polar Express:

in our Christmas pajamas

reenactment

The North Pole

Looking at his bell from Santa

with Periquito Azul - his school mascot

13

13 years.

Today Mike and I celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary.

In 13 years we've:

graduated Mike from college
gotten 1
dog
had two kids
bought two houses
bought 3 cars
taken 4 big vacations (Disney, San Francisco, New York, Toronto) and many smaller ones
started a tour of visiting all the ballparks in North America as our love for Ranger baseball grows
suffered a car wreck
suffered some broken bones, sprains, and other injuries
had 5 surgeries (4 for Donna, 1 for Mike)
run a half marathon and countless smaller races
been members of 2 different churches
made a ton of fabulous friends
5 job changes for Mike
3 position changes for Donna
experienced times when we didn't know if there'd be enough money to cover bills
experienced times of immense blessing
had our marriage tested
supported each other's dreams
shared each other's sorrows

There's probably so much more I'm forgetting, but those are the highlights.  13 years.  A LOT of life has happened in those 13 years and even knowing what I know now, I wouldn't change it.  Michael is still my best friend and the one with whom I want to grow old.

Marriage isn't easy, but when you put your spouse first and commit daily, the rewards are great.

The Lord only knows
what the next 13 years will hold for us.