We've been to see Santa a time or two already. I know, I know - it's not even December yet. But it turns out, visiting Santa early is a pretty awesome deal! We got a discount on the Santa Photos, which I'll upload soon, and there was almost no line, so the experience was way more relaxed than usual. Gabe wasn't freaked out by the huge crowd, so he even talked to Santa!
Actually, the first time we visited we didn't even realize Santa would be at the Mall yet. There was no one in line, and Gabe said he really wanted to talk to Santa. So in we go, dressed in grubby play clothes. No photo, of course. Santa's greeting the boys, ho ho ho, and Gabe is staring at his feet. He mumbles, "Toy Story bike please". Santa does not hear him. He's going on about how next time they visit they can sit on his lap...meanwhile, since I've told Gabe he can't demand one item from Santa, Gabe is mumbling towards his feet, "and Toy Story Scooter, please. And Bash, and Dash, and Ferdinand, please." Then he hugs Santa super fast, snatches the proffered candy cane and runs out of there as fast as possible. Ben was stoked to get the candy, but he did not say anything to Santa. Max was oblivious, of course.
Obviously a bit of practice was in order. After a couple days of practice, Santa visit number two was attempted, this time bringing our friends Tina and Nathan, always guaranteed to be a good time. The boys were excited but manageable during the short wait to see Santa. We played games and giggled and snacked; they even posed for photos. Then it was the big moment. Ben was still pretty silent towards Santa, and he didn't technically sit on Santa's lap, but he did stand close and allow his photo to be taken. According to Ben, the whole point was to go back for more candy canes anyways.
Gabe Was personable and friendly to Santa. He greeted Santa, waited to be asked, then told him about his dearest wish (Toy Story Bike) and alternate possibilities (although if that bike doesn't appear, it's obviously going to be an issue). He even smiled for the photo. Max waited until the whole photo session was over, then squealed with delight and gave huge smiles....30 seconds too late. How do babies have such good sense of timing?
In any case, the boys all did well, and no one cried! We got a good (ok, a decent) picture, and Gabe spoke to a complete stranger (Santa). All in all a big success, and now the pressure is off! Everywhere we go there's a Santa now, and Gabe is high five-ing and being super friendly to one and all. Ben is getting less and less afraid of Santa as he watches his normally stoic brother get down with the man in the red suit. After our behavior struggles since our super fun snow day before Thanksgiving, it was a nice way to kick off the holiday season...Merry Christmas, indeed!
Actually, the first time we visited we didn't even realize Santa would be at the Mall yet. There was no one in line, and Gabe said he really wanted to talk to Santa. So in we go, dressed in grubby play clothes. No photo, of course. Santa's greeting the boys, ho ho ho, and Gabe is staring at his feet. He mumbles, "Toy Story bike please". Santa does not hear him. He's going on about how next time they visit they can sit on his lap...meanwhile, since I've told Gabe he can't demand one item from Santa, Gabe is mumbling towards his feet, "and Toy Story Scooter, please. And Bash, and Dash, and Ferdinand, please." Then he hugs Santa super fast, snatches the proffered candy cane and runs out of there as fast as possible. Ben was stoked to get the candy, but he did not say anything to Santa. Max was oblivious, of course.
Obviously a bit of practice was in order. After a couple days of practice, Santa visit number two was attempted, this time bringing our friends Tina and Nathan, always guaranteed to be a good time. The boys were excited but manageable during the short wait to see Santa. We played games and giggled and snacked; they even posed for photos. Then it was the big moment. Ben was still pretty silent towards Santa, and he didn't technically sit on Santa's lap, but he did stand close and allow his photo to be taken. According to Ben, the whole point was to go back for more candy canes anyways.
Gabe Was personable and friendly to Santa. He greeted Santa, waited to be asked, then told him about his dearest wish (Toy Story Bike) and alternate possibilities (although if that bike doesn't appear, it's obviously going to be an issue). He even smiled for the photo. Max waited until the whole photo session was over, then squealed with delight and gave huge smiles....30 seconds too late. How do babies have such good sense of timing? 
In any case, the boys all did well, and no one cried! We got a good (ok, a decent) picture, and Gabe spoke to a complete stranger (Santa). All in all a big success, and now the pressure is off! Everywhere we go there's a Santa now, and Gabe is high five-ing and being super friendly to one and all. Ben is getting less and less afraid of Santa as he watches his normally stoic brother get down with the man in the red suit. After our behavior struggles since our super fun snow day before Thanksgiving, it was a nice way to kick off the holiday season...Merry Christmas, indeed!
