All aboard the Santa Express!!

This past weekend we took our annual trip on the Santa Express!

Every year our momstown mamas look forward to this field trip.  While it's not a long trip, it's just so much fun! 

The South Simcoe Steam Train runs the Santa Express every year on weekends for the month of December.   It's a great chance to spend time with family and friends. We take a short trip, spend time with our families and just enjoy the spirit of the holidays and take in the excitement of the kids.

Every year, I prepare for this trip months in advance as our group is usually so big that we have to get tickets on day one of sales or our group can't be together, tickets sell fast here!  So on November 1st I start my calling to the ever busy reservation line to book our tickets... this year we had 61 traveller... and that didn't include babies!!!

It's not easy to coordinate a train trip of this size but it's so worth the effort as the kids have so much fun!

The train is run solely by volunteers including the elves and Santa himself! 


We all gathered out in the cold, and it was cold, to wait for our turn to board the train.  As the train rolls into the station the kids get super excited.

Boarding is not easy with so many people and kids and so much excitement and anticipation, but after some shuffling and organization, we are all set to go!!

As the train departs from the station, Santa comes in and starts his journey down the train car where he takes the time to sit with each and every child to talk to them and hear what they want for Christmas.

The kids and the parents get so excited to have Santa visit them.  Some kids are happier than others of course!

Santa is a great listener and has such a great personality that even the most timid and normally scared child will crawl up on his knee for a chat.

While the train ride itself is quite simple, a half hour ride out and half hour ride back, the visit with Santa makes the ride all worth the while.

A trip to the North Pole with momstown Barrie

Today we embarked on our annual Christmas adventure tradition to the North Pole!

The South Simcoe Steam Train runs this fun train ride every year to raise funds for the historic train station as well as for the local food bank.


The momstown Barrie families headed down to Tottenham to board the Santa Express to the North Pole!

Despite the cold temperatures this morning everyone was smiling and excited for the adventure.


Santas elves join us for the beginning of the ride to sing carols and chat with the kiddies.

Then the big guy himslef arrives! Santa boards the train and makes his way through the train car to visit with all the families!


Santa is so kind to take time to sit down with each family to chat with the kiddies and to get some photos taken.

As always, this was a super fun morning and lots of memories were made. The kids always feel so special to get their time with Santa and mom and dad love the smiles (or tears) as Santa chats to the kids.

Can't wait to do it again next year!

Santa Claus came to momstown Barrie's Christmas Party!

The holiday season is in full swing, and we made it official at momstown's Christmas party with a special visit from the Jolly Man in the Big Red Suit!


Our Annual Christmas Party was a big success once again. With lots new faces and lots of familiar ones, everyone came together for a great time.

The kids danced and played and laughed and had a great time. There were lots of sweet new babies dressed for the holidays and waiting on the arrival of Santa
Santa was a big hit with all the kids as usual! The
kids all got a special sweet treat and coupons to Boston Pizza in Barrie!

Now onto more Christmas festivities as the big day approaches! momstown Barrie has a big week of Christmas fun planned, sleigh rides at Belcroft Tree Farm, Christmas Cheer Night at Boston Pizza, Caroling at Victoria Village and a trip on the Santa Express!!! What a week its going to be!!!.