samantha and ho ho

wasn't sure how this was going to go....our traditional trip to sit on santa's lap was a no-go when tyler and i had tried in weeks past when we came across long lines. but on the day before christmas eve sammy and her mimi and i went right when they opened and waited with just a few families for santa to arrive. i was positive that sammy would scream and cling to me and not want to get up close with the big bearded man. even though she loves her HO HO in books and blow up lawn decorations I was sure that the REAL man wouldn't be a welcome sight. she really isn't too happy with male strangers on a regular day so i was prepared for the worst this festive morning. thankfully she proved me wrong and i was SO proud. there was a moment as we waited when we heard jingle bells in the distance and one of the children yelled out ITS SANTA and kids were pointing and i'm telling you the look on the little children's faces was priceless. i witnessed the magic of christmas...right there in our coastland center mall. well as we waited we talked and talked about how santa was our friend and oh look at how the other boys and girls sit with him and then she remembered how her cousin Ry had done it. and so when it was her turn i plopped her down with out any hesitation and she just sat...didn't move, didn't want to smile, didn't argue...it was hilarious! thanks mimi for convincing us to try one more time...it was well worth it!! ps. on a different account, why does this picture have to be $17 (for two of them) and why don't the helpers dress up like elves anymore. ha.

drinking her smoothie on the way home

decorating christmas cookies