Tradition!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is packing up the grandkids for the annual photo with Santa. 

Sometimes they go willingly…. sometimes there are tears (only beforehand this year; Donovan was *very* annoyed I wouldn’t let him fill up on candy before we left)… and sometimes it’s all down to finding the perfect bribe. 

This year? The Mrs. Field’s cookie store in The Oaks made a fortune off us as bribe-of-choice. (Wow, prices have gone wayyyyyy up…)

But look at those smiling faces! Worth it!

Santa!

Monday night, Leia and I went shopping for coordinated red tops so that Tuesday - the only day before Christmas that all 4 grands were guaranteed available - we could go get Santa pics.

We almost always go to The Oaks for pics but I was super disappointed this year - Santa didn’t talk to the kids at all and the photos were dark and out of focus - so next year, we’ll be trying the mall in Ventura. 

But! It’s Santa! And all the grands are smiling! And happy!

I wonder if Rachel can photoshop Addy in here . . .

I Believe in Santa

I believe in Santa - and so do these two. (Thank goodness.)

 

Santa was on break when we got there - feeding the reindeer (ahem) - but the wait only heightened the girls' excitement. No tears, or fear, from Leanne this year. She gave a squeal of joy when she first saw Santa walking toward her and both girls climbed right up on his lap and started talking. Sure hope they get got what they asked for!