Visiting with Santa

My father belongs to a club and they have a Christmas party every year for the kids and grandkids of all the members. All the children actually get presents and there are some refreshments. Over the years the party has scaled back and there used to be entertainment, but it's still good to go. To our surprise, this year they had a Santa, Mrs. Clause, and and Elf! This is the first year that Aiden has really gotten the concept of how the whole Christmas thing works-and was excited to talk to Santa since he added a toy to his list that he already mailed him. So this was his big chance to tell Santa about it. I was nervous about Devin, because I wasn't sure if he was going to be happy sitting with Santa or not. But he did great and was pretty oblivious to it all. I think it helps to have an older brother to look to as well. Next year I fear will be the real test...when Aiden was two, that was the year he really didn't like Santa. So we'll see. For now though, I'll take it!

The other picture I have Aiden has a cute smile, but Devin's eyes are half closed...

Devin's telling Santa that he is going to take all of his brother's toys if he doesn't get the same thing ;)

Santa is telling Aiden that he has to eat nice all the time. (I prepped him to say that...so far it hasn't really helped...)

Here is Aiden's big moment to tell Santa about the Rocket ship with the aliens and Woody and Buzz he saw at the Disney store. He has been asking about that toy for the last few weeks....oy. I told him he already sent his list to Santa, and Santa is very busy and he may have to wait until next Christmas, but we'll see. And so that is what Aiden says to everyone now...that he wants this rocket ship, but "We'll See". My girlfriend Laura had a picture of her daughter last year whispering in Santa's ear, and it was so cute...I had to have Aiden do the same ;)

Micah was entertaining Devin while we had been waiting in line. Goofy boys ;)

And we tried to get a good family picture...but of course there is always one kid who doesn't smile...

Sitting on my Santa's lap :)

And here is the official mall Santa picture. We were so lucky. After we had our family portraits done with Micah's family, we went downstairs and I thought to myself...wouldn't it be great if Santa was out already? There wouldn't be much of a line, and the boys are already dressed up. It was the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so I really didn't think he would be-but lo and behold! I was so excited! There was only one other family in front of us! I was ecstatic. And we got a pretty good picture in the first few frames...done deal. No long lines for us-Merry Christmas to me :)