The Polar Express

We knew after the model train show a train around our Christmas tree was a must.

So I shopped around for the best option, decided on a Lionel Polar Express G-Gauge, and we anxiously awaited it arrival.

When it arrived, Nate made me wait till he got home from work so we could both see Brig's reaction.

It was worth every penny spent on that train.

After we got the bad batteries figured out she ran smooth and our little man was in heaven.

Then the next day came around and we learned quickly that it's either running full speed ahead, or Brig is carrying the engine around with him.

This is all fine and good but we looked at this as an investment, and really I'm not ready to have a broken trainset, and really not ready to be hauling around baby in-utero, 2 year old, and Pol Ex engine.

After a few days I had to put it away for a day or two so I could have a break. The child wanted it running at all times.

Then I decided, screw it this train is not going around my tree. So we set up the train with a viewing seat and tunnel :) 

Solved some of the problems.

Brig adores it. Sits on that chair for 15 minutes at a time and as long as its moving, he won't touch it. But when its stationary? He must be holding, driving, coddling it. 

This train, and the discovery of the movie "The Polar Express", were a huge part of this Clark Christmas season. I was thrilled when we took Christmas down and I was able to put the train away. But Brig... well he is still looking for it and it is a fantastic bargaining chip to get him to follow me inside.

St Lucia

My mom was the greatest with traditions. All us girls love them. My mom's heritage is very Swedish, and then my brother went on his mission to Sweden and consequently there a few Swedish traditions that are rolling through the Clark household. 

St Lucia is one of them.

December 13, the oldest daughter in the family wakes the family up dressed as St Lucia, bearing hot chocolate and lussekatter (saffron buns). Historically your celebrating St Lucia who was burned at the stake, I remember another story from growing up, and most girls recognize he from Kirsten the American Girl Doll. Regardless, it is a tradition I enjoy and does make me think of my Swedish heritage.  So I stayed up till midnight making the authentic lussekater with my $20 bottle of saffron to create the perfect St. Lucia presentation. 

I know Brig gets nothing about this, but man he was sure excited

He gets so pleased when I present him with something that is clearly adult but okay for him to participate in.

My expensive and time consuming lussekater were terrible.

 Really... we'll consider the pillsbury option next year, but sometimes I just can't be dissuaded.

Oh Brig. 

Thanks for making everything so much fun for your mother.