A real choo choo train

While in Portland, we took the kids on the Holiday Express, a steam engine holiday ride.  Arthur had been asking to ride for months: "Baim! Ride it!"  At last, his dreams came true.  On the way to the train he expressed concern about the train being big enough to hold Gabe. We assured him it was.  And, boy, was it!

 The engine was a 1939 steam engine, decked out for the holidays with a wreath and garland and lights.  It sat on the tracks, puff-puffing.

 Here is Arthur, gazing out the window on his first-ever train ride.

 As soon as the train got underway, we heard jingle bells and then Santa appeared! With candy canes!  The kids were delighted, although completely distracted by the candy.

 We went with Lina's brother Paul (on right) and his daughter Evelyn (on left).

Here's the train, going around a bend. It traveled along the river and some scenic areas and it was a very smooth ride.  We all had fun, especially Arthur!