Greetings Winter

Remember what I said about it not feeling like winter or Christmas for that matter, nevermind, forget what I said. Three days later, a snow storm, a Christmas mystery ride revealed, winter has arrived. Last night, we surprised the kids with a mystery ride to a Polar Express ride on the Essex Steam Train in Conneticut. The first snow of the season was bonus. We listened to the high school superbowl on the radio, the Reading Rockets defeated Natick for the state championship.

Here we are waiting for the Polar Express. The train station had imagination stations for the kids to play at and a toy train display to view.

The announcement was made that we were heading to the North Pole and Santa would be making his round on the train.

We were invited to join the Ferrone family car. Our friends and neighbors from Long Island had reserved an entire car of the train for their own clan. Here is Lisa and Scott, our next door neighbors from our Long Island days gone by. They have a 5 year old son named Tyler.

Coloring books were handed out and Jackie decided to color a picture for Santa.

Santa arrived, and to his surprise Jackie gave him a picture.

"For me?" he said.

He graciously thanked Jac and Zac for the thoughtful gifts and tucked them into his boots for safe keeping. I think Jackie and Zac remain on his nice list.

Here's Scott and Tyler visiting with the Boston 'cousins'.

We sang Carols lead by Santa's helpers, enjoyed the bells given by Santa and had hot chocolate while viewing the lights and snow out the window.

Mrs. Claus came for a visit and we thanked her for the hot chocolate and cookies she made.

The snow was welcomed by all kids, there were many tongues catching the flakes.

Waking to a bright sunny day and freshly fallen snow cover is a delight.

New Englanders know how to embrace winter. As I snuck away to do kid-free grocery duty, I took a little detour to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenes of first snowfall. As I drove through a nearby state park, I saw lots of dog walkers, some mountain bikers on the trails and other photographers excited about the first snow.

Ok, back to getting the groceries......