The Holiday Train

Joyful memories this Christmas as we were able to enjoy another event that we had wanted to go to - he Holiday Train!

 

We first heard about this train that travels around during the holiday season last year but by the time we heard about it the train was long gone.

This year we strategically planned how we would see it

with three people at work and one in college.

The train would be stopping near our home but that would be too early.

My oldest did see it as he passed the train's stop.

What we decided would work best was to miss a couple closer stops

and head up Saratoga Springs.

The traffic was slow around the train station

but it was totally worth it!

Even stuck in slow-moving traffic we were still on time

considering the train was delayed.

As we were approaching the parking lot

we could hear the horn of the approaching train.

They had a car that opened to a stage

(for my hometown people think the ShowWagon but mechanical).

The band was festive and very good but we weren't there for the band.

We're thinking that maybe next year we might ride the train.

Of course with three of us fascinated with how things work we had to do a closer inspection of the mechanics of the lights on the cars.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!

Ingrid

The Schenectady Holiday Parade

One thing my family loves it's traditions.

Last year my children and I went to the Monet Experience for my birthday. (I am just now realizing that I never posted about it.)

When we were heading into the Arsenal we saw the parade beginning and joked how the city had scheduled a parade in honour of my birthday.

Of course that meant that we had to come back for the parade this year to actually watch the parade.

We knew it was going to be long because it was still going when we left the Arsenal so we planned on bundling up.

We were in front of Proctor's and they had hot cocoa for sale inside to help warm us, and a T.A.R.D.I.S.

We'll bring travel mugs next year.

We were in the perfect location to watch the tree lighting

 before the parade began.

There was a technical glitch with a group of performers early on but they carried on like real troopers despite the lack of audio. We were very impressed with the young people but embarrassed for the crew. It will be better next time.

One of my daughters wasn't dressed warmly because it wasn't THAT cold

when she went to work in the morning, so I gave up my gloves

despite taking dozens of photos. 

The parade lasted over two hours and there was so much to see

with all of the floats and participants.

We ended up leaving early but finished watching the live stream from the comfort of our living room. Next year we plan on arriving a little late so we can see Santa.

Happy Holidays!!!

  Ingrid