Just a few of the 8000+ who decided to start off their Thanksgiving with a 5k through Springfield.
The crew at the starting line.
Dad, Chris and Bub ended the race with a little bit of crowd participation.
A few of us after the race. Everyone survived!
Friday evening we put on our pajamas and headed to Branson, MO to hop on the Polar Express. I think the adults were just as excited as the kids to go on the train ride. The train left the station and took us to the North Pole to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. On the way to the North Pole, the Polar Express book was read and everyone enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies.
Not the best family photo, but the boys are pretty funny with their silly faces.
The kids were getting impatient waiting to board the train, so Chris sat down and read them a book. This was a better idea than my plan...put the kids in a pen to contain them.
Gavynn, Seth & Cal
Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate!
Cookies!
Riley gave Santa his Christmas list. He cut out pictures of toys that he wanted and glued them to a paper stocking. He was so excited that Santa took it!
Santa compared beards with my Dad. He said that Dad was getting there, but had a little bit to go.
Santa gave Noah a sleigh bell.
Seth receiving his bell. The kids were excited that Santa came on the train. He made a point to talk to each child and passed out plenty of hugs.
Dad received a sleigh bell because he flirted with Santa's elf. That's my brother giving Dad rabbit ears. We're a mature group.
The hobo came on the train and did a few magic tricks before hiding from the conductor.
Noah getting his ticket punched by the conductor.
Gavynn & Riley
Seth
Seth & Cal with the conductor.
Riley was Green Lantern for Halloween, so we thought it would be fun to bring the boys' Halloween costumes so that they all could play 'Superheroes'. Captain America (Noah) and Ironman (Seth) showed off their superhero moves with Green Lantern.
On Saturday, we threw a pirate birthday party for Seth & Noah. So many people came to help us celebrate! Thank you to everyone who came for making their party so much fun!
Noah
Seth
Most of the kids. The only one that's missing in this picture is my cousin's son, Colin.
Seth won the pin the treasure on the treasure map game! He may have cheated a little bit. He refused to wear the blindfold.
Noah
Seth
Elmo (Aunt Mindy) and Riley picked out a superfun pinata! Neither one of the boys wanted to take a swing at it, so the rest of the kids had a blast pummeling it.
Scrambling for candy. We, apparently, didn't explain this very well to Noah. At first, he just stood on the sideline asking 'Is it my turn yet?'.
Seth & Timma
Seth & Noah are part Hesterly, so bows are just a part of life. The boys received their first bows for their birthday! Thanks Papa and Judy!
With so much activity in just a few days, our time in Missouri flew by way too fast. It was wonderful to be able to spend so much quality time with family and friends who are like family.
-Shelby
I absolutely love the Polar Express. I am sure they really enjoyed it. There cakes look amazing :) I am glad you had a wonderful trip.
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