Seeing Santa

I asked both boys a few weeks before Christmas if they wanted to visit with Santa. Nathan, at almost 11 instantly replied, "nah" and Caleb continuously told me emphatically, "No!". But in true Caleb style, a few days before Christmas, he decided he JUST had to see Santa Claus. Of course! He would change his mind during Santa's busiest time. It figures. A few years ago the same thing happened with Nathan and the day before Christmas we found ourselves (me, Nathan, Carah and a one year old Caleb) waiting in a line that was forever long and took an hour and a half. I figured I'd learned my lesson and I would be smart this time. I had it all worked out. Since the last time we went first thing when the mall opened and the line was crazy long and since it was also bound to be crazy at the end of the work day, we'd just go sometime after lunch when everyone else was working or home napping. Sound logic, right? So Zach, Nathan and I picked up Caleb early from school and headed to the mall. As we got near Santa's workshop, I thought, "Score!!! There's no one in line. This is AWESOME!". As we got closer, I realized there was no one in line because there was no Santa sitting in his chair. In his place was just a sign that said, "Be back in an hour.". Sighhhhhhh.....

Now what? We could walk away and come back in an hour only to find ourselves in an hour and a half line. Or we could stand in line for an hour and be one of the first to see Santa. We opted to stand in line (or at least Zach and I stood in line) and Nathan and Caleb had the best time playing in front of the crazy mirror and posing with the decorations.




Santa came back and my two wild partying boys instantly became calm, reserved and even nervous to sit on Santa's lap. I am seriously surprised that Caleb didn't change his mind at the last minute and decide NOT to talk to Santa. Caleb asked for a telescope and Nathan asked for some Star Wars toys. And because they don't allow cameras near Santa, we have this one shot from their short sit.


When I look at this picture, I love seeing the smiles on both of their faces but what really catches my eye is their hands. They both do that when they are nervous and afraid. Too cute that Santa has that affect on both of them. :)

All in all, Caleb walked away so happy that he got to see Santa and Zach and I were no worse for wear. AND as an added bonus, this is what I saw in my rear view mirror on the way home. One very exhausted but satisfied little boy and that made it all worthwhile. :)