The Christmas Train in Oklahoma

Though we live in Northwest Arkansas, we bundled up and drove two hours into Oklahoma to ride the "Christmas Train." The Christmas Train is located in a ghost town called "Dry Gulch." Originally, Dry Gulch was an old time western town built to be used in movies- a movie set. After filming wrapped up for the western shoot, a local church purchased the set and saved Dry Gulch from being destroyed. This was in the early 1980's. It is such a neat story! What makes it an even better tale is that the church uses it in the summer as a church camp (my Rachel went there once for church camp as a kid!) and in the winter months, the place is a magical winter wonderland where the true meaning of Christmas is displayed.

Dry Gulch is an amazing place to visit and well worth the long drive. There are characters that roam the streets- cowboys, outlaws, a sheriff, singing carolers- dressed in authentic clothing. There are saloons, general stores, mercantiles, bakeries, candy shops, and boarding houses. The movies spared no expense when creating a faux western town! The train gives a message of salvation as you pass live nativity scenes complete with animals and a final Crucifixion scene with live actors. There are horse drawn sleigh rides, mini-trains, pony rides, and even Mrs. and Mr. Clause. The streets are lit and Christmas music plays in every building. Think mini Silver Dollar City, if you are from my area.

We had a great time! We are officially in the spirit of the holidays!

Visit:  http://www.christmastrain.com/

Ashley and Rachel

Map of the park



The Christmas Train

Our Boarding Passes

Riding the rides- they were all free! Once you paid for your ticket, you had access to all the attractions.

                 Since the activities were free, Harbor William went through this maze three times.

                                           Riding the pony

Taking the "Night Before Christmas" sleigh ride- also free with your ticket! The story was displayed in different areas of the woods as we traveled through. We had a guide on the sleigh with us that narrated.

  

Entering the ghost town, Dry Gulch

Some of the singing carolers

One of the many shops in the town..

There was an hour line wait to see Santa in the "Santa Palace", but Mrs. Clause was outside of the palace, visiting with families.

I lost count as to how many times Harbor rode this little train. He barely cleared the height requirement, but was determined to ride as many times as possible. I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of five times. He really loves trains... I'm thinking his next birthday party may involve train tracks and smoke stacks.



Happy Holidays!

Be Merry!

Last weekend I had the best of intentions to take Harbor to see Santa, but we ended up going with my mom Monday night. We only had to wait five minutes or so and they were very lax in letting us take several personal pictures, which was nice. We may end up going on Monday nights from here on out- it was such a quiet night at the mall.

This is the picture we ended up buying- my mom took a shot of the computer screen. Harbor gave us a little smile and I'm glad seeing Santa went smoothly. Someday, he may decide Santa is not his favorite person, but, thankfully, Monday night they were friends.

Everyday for the last two weeks, my students have been bringing me the nicest, sweetest Christmas gifts. As a teacher, I honestly love all of my children. Gift giving does nothing to make me love a student more, nor does a student who gives nothing make me love them less. My students are all special to me and I love them equally. Regardless, I feel like I have tears in my eyes most days when I see the generosity of my students' families.  These were a few gifts I brought home today- aren't they precious? Thank you to all of my sweet students who blessed me with unexpected goodies these last few weeks. I certainly don't deserve your generosity, but am thankful and humbled.

Harbor has been busy with his two schools. He still attends his Mother's Day Out school two days a week, but also was just recently accepted into a Thursday School. There is such joy in seeing handmade gifts from your children! It warms my heart and I always make sure to "Ohhh" and "Ahhh" at the wonderful crafts his loving teachers make with him.

Tomorrow is my last day to teach before our Christmas Break. I am teaching a craft unit- we will be decorating ornaments as gifts for their family. I have 100's of glass balls, ribbon, a few paint pens, and lots of pretty, shiny tinsel to stuff ornaments with. We are really lucky to have a 5th grade fund to buy the supplies for these activities. With it being our last day, the faculty has been asked to wear an "ugly" Christmas sweater. I had to borrow this sweater, and honestly, I like it! Ha! I think Christmas sweaters are cute!  : )

The Christmas cards are pouring in! Today I had several to open; tis the season to be merry! I love to look through the basket every night. All of our friends and family members are very special to us! Cards are like little love packages!

Enjoy the season! It will be hot, humid summer again before we know it... and Christmas 2010 will just be a memory! Make it count!  : )