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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Ol' Saint Nick

Every year we pay a visit to Santa Claus.  We try and make it fun and festive.  We go to downtown Seattle.  Wait in line at Nordstrom.  Enjoy some cookies and hot apple cider while we stand in the long line.   

For Jack, this is such an exciting event.  And for Emmie.....

Emmie almost 1 years old -  Jack 3 years old

.....not so much.  She didn't care for Santa when she was 1 years old.

Emmie 2 years old - Jack 4 years old

She didn't like him any more when she was 2 years old.

Emmie 3 years old - Jack 5 years old

When she was 3, we had to put a little muscle into getting her to sit on his lap.

Emmie 4 years old - Jack 6 years old
At age 4, she looks like she's ok with Santa.  But truth be told, she has no idea Santa was standing behind her. Santa got up so Jack and Emmie could sit in his chair - and he returned quickly at the last minute, just in time for the picture.

Emmie 5 years old - Jack 7 years old

Last year, it looked like we were making some serious progress.  After some tears and anxiety while waiting in line, Emmie agreed she would STAND next to Santa. That gave her very little contact with Mr. Claus.  Smiling pictures. Candy cane afterward. Success!  Well, that was until.....

2011 - almost 6 years old
....this year.  Emmie hit an all time high with Santa panic.  The only thing that would calm her down was waiting outside with my mom, while Jack was inside on Santa's lap.


Emmie gives Santa the stink eye.
Even from outside the window, Emmie wasn't too sure about Santa.  And I must confess, I was frustrated and disappointed.  My perfect display of Santa pictures is now a little askew.  Not only do we have a picture without tears, we have a picture without Emmie!  There is no record of Emmie with Santa in 2011.  In the scheme of things, I know this is such a small matter.  What's most important is that Jesus is Lord of her life and that she remembers the real reason that we celebrate Christmas.  And it's NOT to give Mommy the perfect Santa picture.


Santa was kind enough to send Jack out with a candy cane for Emmie. So while we warmed up with a coffee at Starbucks, the kids enjoyed their treat.

And the day was still fun, despite our Santa mess.


We should get the official picture in the mail sometime next week!!  I have my picture frame ready and waiting...for Jack and Santa.

Jen









3 comments:

  1. Jen I love it because I remember those days so well!!

    Please Come and enter in My 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. There are so many exciting & special Gifts! Tis the Season!

    xoxo

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. What wonderful pictures/memories! One day Emmie will laugh about your records of events! Precious. I also followed back.

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  3. I got such a giggle from your children's Christmas photos with Santa. Emmie is so like our 3 1/2 year old grandson. Two years ago, we had to finally make do with a photo of mommy and son and Santa. Not what they'd hoped for, and the mall Santa really wanted nothing to do with a screaming child. Last year, I saw that Bass Pro Shop offered photos with Santa for free! Yay. He is the nicest Santa, and we got a great photo last year with Santa holding a screaming two year old, but nothing doing this year. He wouldn't even "introduce" his new baby brother to Santa this year. Kids! Grandkids! Gotta love them.

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