Meeting Santa

For the first couple of years that I was a mother, I took the kids to the mall to meet Santa and get a picture of them that I could then sit out every year in a festive frame.  Samantha was only two weeks old the first time that I did this and we continued through the year that it was Jack's first Christmas.  Then, I realized that it was a lot of work to fit that trek over to the westside of Lansing into our busy schedules and take a chance on how long the line was ...

So, for the last couple of years, we have been going into town to the American Legion to see Santa.  The kids get dressed and we head out the door by about 8:30 am one special Sunday in December.  The kids get to see Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus!), tell him what is on their wish list, score a candy cane, pose for a picture and then eat breakfast there afterwards.  The line is minimal, if there is one, and I am free to take as many pictures as my momma's heart desires.

Jack went first and I was pretty sure that he was going to ask for a new chainsaw (he has two, but one is broken).  He actually asked for more parts for his Hot Wheels car track.

Jimmy was next and he seemed pretty content.  No screaming or crying, and also no real wishlist items to share this year.  He was most interested in the candy cane.

Samantha was excited to see the big jolly guy, but must have felt a bit awkward on his lap.  She asked for a karaoke machine for her and her sister.

Sophia was last in line and saved the biggest smile for Santa.  She asked for fuzzy socks and a crazy chubby puppy toy.

A quick group photo, where a few of the kids missed the memo that they needed to look at the camera.  Still, no one was screaming this year ...!

While we were waiting for our breakfast, we asked our neighbor, who was sitting with us at our table, if she would take a family picture of us.  Sadly, I am pretty sure that the last family photo that we took was last Christmas!