Seeing Santa (before Thanksgiving!)

It is quite possible that I have stumbled upon the golden ticket for seeing Santa with no lines and happy children.  Every year, I try to play it early in the season but at a time with no lines.  Last year, we couldn't get it together until nearly Christmas and there was NO WAY that I was going to tackle it close to Christmas.  Have you seen the lines for Santa the closer you get to December 25?  So last year, we didn't go to see Santa.  This year, the boys and I put on our Park Meadows Mall finest and headed south to meet with Santa.  It was awesome that Santa was there, just waiting for us.  (apparently the beginning of November through black Friday is the secret ticket to see Santa with no lines.  There, the secret is out.)  We were ready with our lists (ok... the boys were), our smiles (the boys smiles) and our Christmas finest (the boys have their annual Christmas shirt that you'll see a dozen more times before New Years.  Boys can get away with recycling their "special occasion" outfit).

On the way into Santa's, we strolled through his village.  Usually, this is the last waiting spot before seeing him.  This year, the trail was WIDE OPEN and ready for us!

Oliver was willing to pause for a photo.  All of these photos are with my iPhone so please excuse the iPhone quality.

Kellan was anxious to be in a photo too. Then, they couldn't take their eyes off of whatever was behind me.

Behind me was a talking and singing reindeer.  Really, Santa has all of the good stuff!

The next stop, the Big Man, himself.

The boys walked right up and Oliver started chatting him up.  Kellan was a bit shy, but was right by Oliver's side.

Lickity Split and Santa had the boys on his lap.  

Oliver kept on chatting.  He had a lot to say this year.  I'm not sure what all they were talking about, but he had quite a detailed and lengthy conversation.  I think Kellan may have said one word when Santa asked him what he would like.  

As we left Santa, the boys received multiple compliments on how well behaved they were and how adorable they were.  No joke!!  The check out lady looked at the photos and she said, "Nice job Mom and Dad.  You make some great looking kids.".  It made my day!!  Yes, yes we agree.  We love our boy to pieces and as much as we agree that they are adorable, we love that they are also complimented for their behavior.  It makes all of the hard times worth it.

After a quick lunch, we headed for the door, but not without a stop at this bench for some photos.

Yes, our boys are adorable and well mannered, but even they have their "moments".

For instance, it's really hard to let your little brother have the first turn closest to the reindeer.

Then, to watch your little brother get the first turn on the reindeers lap.

Then, it's finally the big brothers turn, but the little brother still has to prove that he can get just as close to the reindeer as the big brother.

Finally, everyone has had their turn with being closest and we get a great photo on the funny reindeer bench.  Whew!  It's not always easy and sometimes it's a process, but almost always the outcome is worth it.

Then, they didn't want to leave.

The boys and I had a GREAT day together.  Santa, lunch, a reindeer bench and finishing touches for Thanksgiving at Bed Bath and Beyond.  Success!!

As we raced home to beat our first Thanksgiving guest pending arrival, the Christmas tunes lulled the boys into a soft slumber.  So... I took photos.

Click!

Click

Hey!!  I thought this guy was sleeping.

After I took those two photos I heard, "Mommy, what are you doing?"

Mommy said, "Hey, I thought you were sleeping?"

Oliver said, "I was about too but then I heard the camera sound"

Busted!!!

Moments later... we had this.

The final outcome of the day, pure perfection for our 2013 Santa Photo.

Merry Christmas boys!

We hope that Santa is good to you this year.  There is no doubt that you deserve it.

Quick, turn back to Thanksgiving for a few more days before we get back to Christmas mode!!