Santa Claus

We have been planning and talking about meeting Santa for weeks.  I think I have been the most excited about it as I dreamed about getting a few great photos of the boys with Santa Claus.  

When we first got to the mall last night, Santa was taking a short 10 minute break.  We waited patiently for him and I even snuck the boys into Santa's chair while we waited.

 For the life of me I could not get both boys to look at me at the same time or keep their hands our of their mouths and keep their eyes open.  My unphotogenic gene has been passed down to my boys.  And their father's dislike of getting pictures taken was passed down too.  Double whammy.

Finally we saw Santa walking down the long hallway.  And much to my disgust he was wearing a USU Aggie Football Jersey instead of his big red coat.  What in the world?  Now I am an Aggie fan like the rest of the town but I did not want Santa wearing one for the pictures.  My dreams of a great photo really went out the window.  And if it were any place but the small, local mall I would have complained!

Carter was actually really nervous to see Santa.  I pushed him towards Santa and he said "Let Jackson go first."  But with another gentle push and reassurance he jumped right up onto Santa's (or deranged Aggie Fan) lap.

 Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas and he told him a "Bucky Pirate Ship."  Phew!  Santa asked if there was anything else and he just said "And some other things."  That will be easy to take care of!

Finally a decent shot, although Carter is looking to the side of the camera and not me.

Now Jackson's turn.  I knew it would be ugly.  I knew it would get loud.  I knew my time was limited.

Jackson screamed bloody murder and tried his hardest to escape this stranger.  He has an extreme fear of strangers and crowded places these days.  Can you imagine how fun and successful nursery and the daycare at the gym have been!?!

Santa was a good sport though and smiled away as I snapped some pictures.  I didn't even try for a shot of the 4 of us together given the screaming baby and the weirdly dressed Santa.  I could get over the fact that his teeth and beard were the same color of weird yellow and that he was missing more teeth than I imagined Santa should be.....but the Aggie jersey was the biggest disappointment!

I can tell that Jackson and Carter are of the same mold as I look at this picture of Carter.  Taken at 18 months old as well.  He wasn't a fan of Santa either!

And look at this woman dressed up as Santa.  Come on Cache Valley Mall, surely there is someone better out there!

Dec 2011-Same Santa as this year.  The yellow beard and hair were a dead give away.  Although I didn't notice them when he's wearing the right clothing!

                                      
2010.  The 4 of us.  Jax is hiding.
I like comparing our photos of Santa year after year.  One year we will get a great one.  One great enough to use as a Christmas Card.  Until then, no Christmas cards!