{a visit with Santa} ~2012

We headed downtown to visit Santa Ted - he moved from Macy's last year and they set up a cute little house in Pioneer Square.  I think the kids missed seeing the reindeer and decorations at Santaland but Santa Ted really is worth it.  He is the best Santa ~ so authentic and sweet!

getting excited

we were lucky as we chose to go on a Wednesday, so there was no line at all!

It's Santa!

 giving him hugs

Kennedy dove right in and started telling Santa what she would like this year...very specific was her request "a bike...with a basket and a bell" and it should be purple

Carter also requested a bike this year and Santa kindly asked what color he would like - green.  Hope Carter is a little flexible.  Thankfully Santa kind of covered his tracks and explained that he would do his best but that the elves had many toys to make this year.

We had to go back around and visit Santa a second time, because none of our pictures were very good.  The kids weren't super cooperative, but I was happy with the end result.

Kennedy wanted to continue their conversation...she had a lot to tell the jolly old man!

sneaking a peek

a quick stop to admire the huge tree in Pioneer Square

I love being downtown this time of year ~ it's so festive!

A visit with Santa

Santaland 2011

As most people know, I love traditions and am not a huge fan of change.  I find comfort in knowing what is coming and what to expect.  With that being said, it may be easier to understand why I was disappointed in this years trip to Santaland.  Since Carter was an infant, we have gone to visit Santa at the downtown Macy's.  I was always impressed by the quality of the props and the authenticity of the Jolly one himself.  (We had seen the same Santa for the past three years)  This  year, Macy's switched everything and the result was definitely not as good.  Thankfully the kids didn't seem to mind, but we may head back downtown later this week to visit Santa Ted at Pioneer Square (our Santa has moved!)

One thing that was definitely an improvement from last year...Kennedy wasn't screaming.  Hooray for progress! 

I was trying to get pictures before we got in line, but they were just too excited! 

Carter went right up, without hesitation.  He knows what he needs to do.  It was quite the process to decide what he wanted this year.  We had to veto a few requests (an Ipod Touch, really?!?  You are 5!) but he finally settled on a Nerf gun.  I have mixed feelings and serious reservations, but his desire ran deep.  We'll just have to establish some ground rules with that particular gift. 

Kennedy and Ethan on the old monorail train

Carrie & Ethan and Kirstin, Tim & Lillian joined us for our visit.  I count the day as a huge success, because all four kids posed without tears.  It was a fun way to spend the morning together. 

 After our visit, the kids wrote Santa their wishes...

And then sent them off to the North Pole
Merry Christmas!

A trip to Santaland

We had high hopes for our visit to Santaland this year. Thinking both kids were old enough to understand the importance of telling Santa their Christmas wishes, we had hoped for a fun visit. We were 50% successful - Carter was a champ. Sat right down, smiled a sweet smile for the photographer and instructed Santa to leave a bow and arrow (really) under the tree this year. Kennedy, oh Kennedy, wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with the jolly fellow. She was shooting daggers and scowling and there was no way she was going to sit on his lap. Oh well, one out of two isn't bad...maybe next year?

All dressed up, smiley and excited to go see Santa.

No smiles again this year. Kennedy refused to touch Santa, so our picture turned into a family affair. Please take note of Kennedy's ferocious frown. She was NOT happy.

Trying desperately to coax Kennedy to the big guy. She wouldn't have any part of it - no amount of bribes or promises could have gotten her to get near him.

The anticipation...

And here's proof of the torture that we inflicted on our sweet girl. Seriously, you'd think we'd just administered electroshock! Such dramatics. Notice Carter smiling sweetly - he knew what he needed to do to get on that "nice" list.