Santa's Lap, Part III

So, I again attempted to persuade K to sit on Santa's lap. We have been talking about him for weeks. We even went to the mall in early November and Santa was already there! When K saw him, she was so excited and wanted to see him right that minute. I should have followed her wish!

She got dressed this morning, all decked out in a princess dress and her princess shoes. We talked all about how she was going to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas, and we would take her picture with him. But, as soon as she saw him, she went into hysterics, and would not get within 10 feet of him.

Luckily, her friend, Parker, and his little brother, Tanner, pulled up in their stroller just as it was our turn. It just so happened that they were seeing Santa today, too! Parker is not afraid at all, so we let him go first. He chatted with Santa all about what he wanted for Christmas, he got his picture taken, and then walked away with a few candy canes, happy as a clam. K still wanted no part of it!

I asked Santa's helper to get the camera ready, and to set a stool next to Santa so that I could sit there, too, as we have done in years past. K started crying immediately and was clinging to me for dear life. My darling friend, Lauren, was such a huge help! She did such a good job of waving a stuffed reindeer at K and trying to offer her candy canes to smile. And even though we weren't able to get a smile, at least she stopped crying for a few minutes to take a picture! Here is our best shot...

For comparison, here are the pictures from the last two years...look familiar?!


After I scarred her by taking a picture with Santa, I thought K deserved a ride on the train at the mall. She was really excited, but I think she was still a little rattled by the whole Santa experience...