Pictures with Santa

We almost didn't get our yearly picture with Santa this year.  It was just so busy.  But we managed to get all the kids and head to the mall Christmas Eve morning.  The line was short and Santa was awesome.  I love this picture of the kids.

Pictures with Santa

No tears this year...it was a good year.

Visit with Santa

A few weeks ago Chelsea took the kids to the mall and Santa was there so they wanted to tell him what they wanted. Tayson asked for a silver bell (we're not sure if he got nervous or what happened), Luke asked for a frog (but not a real-one he said), and of course Claire didn't ask for anything.

So earlier this week Tayson told us that he needed to talk to Santa again because he asked for a sliver bell but really he wanted a Transformer, Bumblebee of course the hardest one to find. So we took the kids yesterday to see Santa and got a picture too. So Tayson told Santa that he wanted a Transformer and made sure to tell him that it was Bumblebee he wanted. Then Santa asked Luke what he wanted for Christmas and Luke said "i want a f-f-f-f-frog". Now you might think he was stuttering, but he was working on his pronunciation even though he almost always says the "f" sound right. Because we correct him on his "L", "R", and "CH" sound he has started sounding out the beginning of every word. It was hilarious. After Santa and some sweet mall food court lunch we let the kids ride the train. They loved it.


The other great part about this season is all the fun stuff that I get to do. Besides completing 95% of my shopping in a 24 hour period, I got to address, stuff and stamp all the Christmas cards today, mail packages (hopefully they'll make it on time), go buy sub-for-Santa presents, deliver neighbor gifts, and bake cookies. There are some bright lights that you get this time of the season too. For instance, the Salvation Army man outside of Smith's today told me he loved me when I gave him a little cash - it's been a long time since a strange man has told me he loves me. :) I love this time of the year!!!