A Visit To See Santa

Every year, beginning with the year that Samantha was only two weeks old, I have made sure that I take the girls to see Santa at the mall.  I look forward to getting a new picture to put in my frame of the girls with the big man in the red suit.  We finally managed to find a day when it would work with our schedule (I have had Steve go with me the last two years because it is a little trickier with TWO little ones in tow) and Thursday morning was the day. 

I planned it perfectly so that we would arrive right around the time that Santa started his visiting hours ... on a weekday.  A weekend would just be way to busy for me.  Sure, it was pouring rain that morning, but we made the best of it. 

I had mentally prepared myself for the fact that Sophia might have a mini-breakdown upon seeing Santa.  After all, Sam was this same age the year that I took her and ended up having to sit on Santa's lap with her.  Yup, I wasn't prepared for that two years ago.  This year though -- I spent countless days talking to Sophia about Santa and showing her pictures of her sitting on his lap last year.  I had determined that it could go either way ... she might be a little scared at first and then warm up to him, or she might just start crying immediately.

As soon as we arrived, I barely had Sam's coat off her before she jumped right up on Santa's lap.  It was like they were best friends.

And then I moved Sophia in closer so that she could become acquainted with Santa.  At first, she buried her head in my shoulder, but there were no tears at least.

In order to pose for a picture, Momma had to sit down again.

And then a Christmas miracle took place.  Sophia let me hand her off to Santa!

There were no huge smiles from Sophia, but she was content at least.

Afterwards, the girls each got some coloring books and stickers.  They were so excited about that!

Within seconds, they set to work doing a little coloring.

Posing for another picture for Momma:

Before we left the mall, I gave each of the girls a penny and they took turns throwing their coin into the fountain.

Of course, they don't really understand the concept of making a wish first, but they sure thought that it was a lot of fun seeing all of the pennies in the water. 

Over all, it was a better experience than I thought that it might be.  Samantha is SO thrilled about Christmas this year (it's such a fun age) and this just further heightened her excitement.  And for Sophia, she comprehends quite a bit about the holiday just from what we have talked to her about, but Santa really made an impact on her.  It's going to be quite a big celebration in our household this year!