Our Polar Express Party.....Al Aboooaaard!

Someone asked me once why I do these things. Well you might think I'm crazy inviting 13 children most all between the ages of 3 - 5 yrs over for a party( so I have a few nieces and nephews),and try to retain order and chaos among a gang full of hyper active young kids, or spend a little extra money this time of year for treats and decorations, or risk a beverage or food spill on carpet, then transform my house in detail into the theme of the party.....OK I admit I'm a little crazy....but it's sooooo much fun! It's exciting to imagine it all possible and then make it a reality. The brainstorming, planning and designing is the best part! The results are even more rewarding! Why do I do it? Honestly, it brings back a certain kind of feeling that makes me feel like a kid again. I remember the kid parties my mother's and aunt's put on for all the nieces and nephews and how much fun they were. I remember our yearly camping trips with the family, I remember always being with my cousins and going to new and different places. Our parties certainly never lacked food! I don't always remember the detail of each outing, especially when I was younger but I do remember our families strong bond that I still yearn for till this day. We grow up, move away, have families and simply become so busy with work and other activities. I do these parties for memories...memories for my daughter and hope that someday she can hold on to and treasure in her adult years as I have. I believe she's inherited a little of my party planning because Cailtyn actually initiated this party! It all began with the famous "Polar Express" movie. "Mommy, can Addie and Kylee come over and watch it with me and we can get hot chocolate and cookies? And so it began!

With Sonny being a Union Pacific Machinist, we thought this party was perfect for us and of course Sonny was the spectaular "Conductor" He did an awseome job and tried to have as much fun as I was. He even played the part a few times!



We of course had to transform the house into the movie and I think we pulled it off for 3 - 5 yr olds.



Retaining order and control was all based on this one activity card. Groups of 3 - 4 alternated actvities and it seemed to work very well for our crowd!


Here is Santa's Workshop! My cousin Kristy was so nice to last minute help out with crafts!



Next we had a Winter Wonderland of face painting! Clarissa and Matthew helped out and had creations of thier own. What was suppose to be a small design on the cheek became a full face design for some. Matthew even decided to create his own image of BYU until I informed him this was a christmas party! Great job guys and oh I apologize now for any stained faces on the day's to follow! I promise though all the ingredients are safe!




The Elves Den was another adventure. Cousin Jacob and David were the perfect look and size(Don't you agree)They seemed to have a blast paying games with the kids! Thanks guys!




Mrs. Claus Kitchen was supervised by the one and only Mrs. Heidi Maloy my sister in law who knows exactly why I do these party...She knows because she is just as crazy as I am when it comes to party planning, possibly even more! Thanks Heidi




Once all the activities were done we started the movie. Throughout the movie we played a few games and activies according to the scenes! We of course started with hot cocoa and treats! Surprised and grateful, My brother-in-law Chris played the Chef. With smiles and a tray full of treats he danced into the room! Thanks Chris, you really surprised me! Shall you host the next party!!!!



Once we reached the north pole we had our elves come out with a special surprise! We started with one grand present for Becca who opened her present to find one for Jesse who opened to find one for Matt who....you get the idea. It was fun and exciting to see thier faces. At the end three children had treats in their small boxes and a special note inside saying " Are you Naughty or Nice? Will you share your treats with your friends here today?" Of course all chose Nice!


We ended with writing or drawing letters for Santa. Caitlyn was excited to give everyone a bell as a favor and a note saying of course BELIEVE! Parents...can you hear the bell ringing or did they bring home an old broken one?



We had lots of fun and tons of memories to cherish! Thanks to all who made this party much more memorable for us!
One of the quotes said in the movie by Mr. Tom Hanks is one of my favorites.
"Seeing is Believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can't see"

Part of the party planning process is making our ideas a reality! Well, we didn't have a real train and we couldn't see the real Santa, but I'm positive we could all really FEEL those invisible things among us and that my friends is what life is all about!