Emilee loves the movie the Polar Express. She watches it over and over again and loves to sing the songs. She is obsessed with steam engine trains and keeps asking to go on one. Because we live in the city, there aren't any steam engine trains near by. Then I remembered as a kid my parents used to take me on an old fashioned train in Strasburg , Pennsylvania. So, Thanksgiving weekend that's were we went. Upon researching it on the Internet, I discovered that you could have lunch on the train. I booked the Dining Car and off we drove 3 hours to the train. Strasburg is a town in the heart of Amish Country. On our way there, while driving through the countryside, we passed horse-drawn buggy's on the road right beside us, which Emilee loved. She thought it was the coolest mode of transportation. That was until we reached The Strasburg Railroad. The railroad is a beautifully-restored Victorian coal-burning steam train that's been running since 1851. (Boy, that was a lot of adjectives in one sentence, wasn't it?) For the past 50 years it's served strictly as a tourist railroad. In other words, it doesn't really go anywhere but instead just goes back and forth on the same stretch of track. When Emilee saw the massive black Train she jumped up and down screaming " The Polar Express is here. look the Polar Express". She was so excited. My greatest joy was watching her face light up as the train rolled in blowing its whistle with the thick black smoke flowing from the top. ( The environment was not a big issue years ago, but the effect of the smoke really does create a perfect picture) As we road the train from Strasburg to Paradise (yep, that's really the name of the town you take the train to) we were served a lovely lunch by waitresses dressed in old fashioned costumes. A smile never left Emilee's face as we passed farms, cows, horses and buggy's. To her, this was Paradise. A chance for her to live the movie she always watches. When we got back to Strasburg, the Emilee drove the "cranky cars" -- hand-propelled cars that date back to the 1930s that they literally cranked around a track. After that, We road the Cagney Steam Train, a miniature version of the Strasburg Railroad complete with flying coal soot that sprinkled down on us like snow. I really do recommend that if anyone is ever in the Lancaster area they should book a ride on the train. It truly is a great adventure the whole family would enjoy.

look at the excitement on her face

pure joy....

Thats my girl....

Emilee and I were sitting in her room playing when she says " Mom, take a picture". She loves having her photo taken, which is a good thing since I am always taking pictures of her. I think she looks so sweet in these pictures. We took tons, every face possible. I think she thinks taking pictures is a game, one that I love to play.

COOKIE TIME

The morning of Thanksgiving the kids decided to bake cookies for desert. I am used to baking with one child and I have to say, one child is not Three. I am usually a very neat baker. I clean up after every step. That all goes out the window when three kids are involved. There was flour everywhere, I wont even mention the sprinkles that rained down like snow. I'm still trying to get them out between the wood boards on my floor. But they kids had a great time and it was a fun family event so, who cares. Each child had a chance to need the dough and roll and cut out their cookies and decorate them You can tell from looking at them who made what. They were all delicious. Emilee had a ball baking with her cousins. She loves doing any activity with them.

Emilee, Andrew and Joseph

Decorating Time

Let the Fun begin

Emilees class has a project that they are doing called Holidays around the world. They are learning about different cultures and the different holidays celebrated around the world. Part of the month long project required Emilee to ask three people from different areas to create a gingerbread person to be sent via postal mail. (They are also learning different modes of communication. Postal Mail, telephone, fax, Electronic mail, Moss Code- they are going to create something with the postage stamp later on) Emilee asked Three very special friends. Her Xuwen Cousin who lives in England, Meredith, Her other Xuwen Cousin who lives in France, Ninon, and her new friend from Tennessee ,Lilli.

Above are pictures of Cousin Ninon creating her very special and beautiful Gingerbunny. Ninon thank you so much for participation. You are so creative and did a great job. We love it and cant wait for it to arrive.

Hugs to you and your parents from us.

Emilee & Staci

I love this picture of Emilee taken this past weekend at The Strasburg Train Station in Lancaster PA. ( More pictures and a story to come later) It reminds me of a picture taken in the 1040's. I think she looks so sweet standing at the station waiting for the train.

TIS THE SEASON......

CHRISTMAS PAST

2006

First Christmas Home

2007

( with friend Kali)

2008

I just realized that she has worn Black every year.