On Thursday, we loaded up the car and headed up north to ride the Polar Express in Palestine. It's a three-hour drive from Houston, so we studied the map and picked some fun stops along the way. First up was the Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville.
We were bundled up! It never got above 48 degrees on our whole trip.
We stopped for barbeque at a local spot in Crockett and then drove on to Mission Tejas State Park near Grapeland. There are numerous state parks close to Palestine, but this one looked good because it had easy hikes and a log house!
Joseph Rice built this Rice Family log house in Houston County in 1828. It started as a one-room home but was later enlarged to house the family's 11 children!
We found an easy 1/2-mile nature hike around a pond.
We were having so much fun hiking
that we took a little detour
over a bridge,
up a big hill,
and deeper into the woods.
Henry found this pine branch. He became very attached to it and waved it around yelling, "The spirit of Christmas!"
Many of the trees were burned to about 8-9 feet up. We're guessing the wildfires of 2011 passed through this part of East Texas.
We counted the rings on this tree -- 70!
We had the entire park to ourselves. I guess no one else was interested in hiking on such a chilly day!
After a super special snack and some playtime at the park's playground, we headed to our hotel in Palestine in time for a quick dinner.
Then we were off to the Texas State Railroad Depot in the misty rain.
The boys were so excited to ride the Polar Express!
And look who joined us for the adventure! I think Gramma and Grampa were excited to ride the train too.
I love the "Believe" stocking.
We were sitting right by the cookies and hot chocolate. Will was licking his lips.
The waiters danced and sang and we listened to a reading of The Polar Express.
It was a dark dark night, but the boys peered out the windows to see the lights at the North Pole.
Santa came and gave everyone bells, just like in the book! We made sure to check our pockets for holes first, though.
The boys loved the Polar Express train ride and are already talking about going back next year. Of course, staying at a hotel and spending extra-special time with Gramma and Grampa was exciting too!
On Friday morning, after sleeping in, we joined Gramma and Grampa for breakfast at the hotel before heading out. We drove home on 59 and stopped at the Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin.
Henry built a log house with Lincoln logs
while Will checked out a huge steam engine.
We learned all about the forestry industry in East Texas and also about forest fire prevention.
After saying goodbye to Gramma and Grampa, our last stop of the trip was the History Center in Diboll. It's a small museum and archives, but the highlight is this Texas South-Eastern train out back.
The boys climbed right out to ring the bell and blow the (very loud) whistle.
"All aboard!" cried Conductor Will.
Daddy climbed on the caboose.
The boys loved this train and didn't want to leave!
We had such an amazing time exploring East Texas and can't wait to have more adventures in our great state.
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