Visit with Santa

I went to the annual Christmas in the South craft fair this year, where I've had the kids take pictures with Santa before, but a tight time schedule and a pooped mama meant that I chose a different venue to visit with the jolly gift giver in.

We had to bribe Samuel with a cookie to sit with Santa

Danielle is used to having her picture taken :)

There is a real estate office nearby that had a pictures with Santa event. I didn't know it was an event until we got there though. They had Mrs. Claus reading stories, Christmas crafts to make, platters of cookies and boxes of juice, and CDs provided of your photos with Santa. It was amazing and free (with a Toys for Tots donation suggested). I think they do it every year, and if so, I'm definitely going to take the kids again. They were so friendly and prepared to keep kids busy while you waited for your photos, and it was close to home. Just all around awesome.

 Ryan thought the bow tie I made to match Danielle's skirt was girlie, so he just wore a plain white button-up (store bought, even). He did NOT want to cooperate for pictures, but Santa, his elves and his photographer were all so patient and kind and a cookie bribe made it work. Danielle was playing with her skirt (and unintentionally lifting it up) in most of the pictures, as you can see above. But that's okay. This time of year is about celebrating Jesus' birth, not being a perfect family or having perfect pictures!