The Boys' 1st Santa Encounter

Last night we had the first of I'm sure many many visits with Santa for the kids.  Despite talking about it all day and looking forward to going, Ayden got cold feet right as we entered Santa's store.  He turned to me and said, "I'm not going to talk to Santa. I don't want to sit on Santa's lap. You just talk to Santa."

This after we scrambled to get the boys out the door, bundled up (it was about 40 degrees and raining) and to the store. (with camera in hand!!!!).

Luckily, Ayden is wise beyond his age and we were able to reason with him. You see, all the other boys and girls were sitting with Santa to take pictures and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, so it must be ok.  It didn't hurt that Ayden LOVES to have his picture taken. 

So, quicker than expected, Ayden was ready to plop himself down on Santa's lap and let him know that we wanted 'ARboles' (aka Marbles) for christmas this year.  Though he had planned to, he forgot to mention that Gavin would like a tricycle.  I guess we can cut him some slack :)  

Notice the adorable shirt.  

This is care of Tata (Thank you!!). 

In fact, Gavin has an identical one on as well, but we didn't veture to take off his layers.

After Ayden settled in, we added Gavin...

Gavin was a little more apprehensive....

the concern began to grow......

a little more.......

and here we have the beginnings of the fat lipped, pre-wail face.....

Both boys successfully made it off Santa's lap without so much as ONE tear!!

I declare this a HUGE success.  (Apparently I wouldn't sit on Santa's lap until I was about 5....)

Post Santa encounter the boys were bundled back up in their stroller to weather the rain and head home for some festive xmas spaghetti complete with xmas tree pasta =)

Let the Christmas fun begin!!