Santa visit

Last week we made our annual outing to visit Santa Claus. Since Owen's very first year, I've gone to the same Santa. It's at a mall not so far from our house that's not got the best reputation (there was a gunfight there one weekend last year), nor the best shopping - not even a Gap. HOWEVER, this mall does have the most authentic Santa I've ever laid eyes on. From what the elf ladies tell me at the counter, his wife makes all of his clothes. And they are just lovely.

Over the last four and a half years, I've created a 5x7 collection of the annual visit, all with Owen's eyes beaming and the thought of actually seeing Santa in person. I know all the journalism majors out there can tell where this is going, right?

Kevin decided to join us this year. So last Wednesday after work, we got the kiddos all dolled up in outfits I purchased before I even knew if Lyla was a boy or girl. Get to the mall - Santa's on dinner break - Kevin holds our spot in line while I walk around with the kids. Owen spots a remote control helicopter. Long day of needing a nap and empty stomach take their places. Meltdown ensues. "I want the helicopter NOW!" blah, blah,blah, blah, BLLAAAAHHHH. aaarrrggh.

He wanted absolutely nothing to do with Santa. Lyla gladly takes her spot on his lap and we snap the shot. Suddenly Owen remembers he wants the helicopter and asks me to tell Santa for him. I'm flashing back to "A Christmas Story" when Santa kicks Ralphy back down the slide as he remembers he needs that Red Rider BB gun.

Not pretty. So this year's photo is of Lyla and Santa, instead of the beautiful one I envisioned of both my kids and Santa for the wall. Enter the reality of parenthood. Planning really never works out.



And then I snapped another one of her in front of the tree...



This is her last photo before she gets her second DOC Band tomorrow. We were hoping to make it past Christmas without it, but our window for correction is running out so we're moving forward. Get ready for yet another paint job!