Pictures with Santa...2014

Jackson (4), Annemarie (2 months), and Noah (6 1/2)
December 2014

Pictures with Santa~ 2014

Noah has always done well with pictures with Santa.  Jax...not so much. Every year, we have pictures of Jackson crying with Santa...desperately trying to get OFF the white-bearded dude's lap.  Enter Annemarie.  Annemarie is the best little baby. I mean, she's perfect.  But there's one thing---she doesn't like to be held by anyone but Mommy!!   Even poor Daddy struggles to get her to stop crying when he holds her.  It'll get better. But right now, it is what it is.  Enter again the thought of giving a 10 week old baby who hates being held by anyone but Mommy to a stranger with a freaky white beard and funny clothes in a loud shopping mall.  It was, indeed, a recipe for disaster.  But that's the funny thing about life...sometimes things that we think should ABSOLUTELY  end in disaster...turn out just fine. Sometimes, they turn out better than fine.  Enter Christmas Pictures 2014.  NO DRAMA.  You read that correctly. Noah was perfect. Jackson was perfect. And Annemarie was perfect. No crying, wailing, or attempts to flee the building.  And just look at these pictures.  Priceless.
(Now don't mistakenly think the whole DAY was no drama....we had plenty of drama getting ready for school; plenty of drama getting ready to go SEE Santa...but the ACTUAL picture-taking part...drama free. We consider that a win.)

It's a Christmas miracle!!!

Visiting Santa 2013

This year, we avoided the long lines at the mall and had a visit with Santa at Fresh...right across the street. Jackson now knows who Santa is, and talked all about going to see Santa...but as soon as this 3 year old got near the jolly fella, he started screaming and reaching for Mommy! Noah (5) was an old pro...but always has been. Jackson is another story! Sorry for the trauma, sweetie! We got our picture and ran out!!

Noah & Santa pictures 2012

Noah has always loved Santa & this year was no different. He was so patient to take pictures with Santa. He asked Santa for a new bike! I have a feeling Santa knows that Noah has been a good boy.

Priceless!

Noah & Santa

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Santa pictures 2012

Jackson & Noah~ Brothers pictures with Santa 2012
We made our best effort to get pictures of the boys with Santa this year. 
Key words: BEST EFFORT
It was actually a treat: Grammie stayed an extra night and was able to go with us to visit Santa, so we had an extra pair of hands.  Noah & Jackson did well while we waited for Santa. Jackson even waved to Santa from behind the line prior to us visiting Santa.  But when it was his turn to sit on Santa's lap...THAT WAS ANOTHER STORY!!
Poor Jackson started screaming his head off, began reaching for Michael, and...well, nothing would calm him down until he was safely in Daddy's arms.  Bless you, my little Jackson! We love you!

This Santa had his hands full! Jackson was trying to escape off Santa's lap, and I don't even know what Noah was dong! I think he was trying to climb ON!

Santa on the Polar Express

We got a special treat when riding the Polar Express...and SANTA got on the train! He gave us all a special bell...just like the story of the Polar Express....MAGICAL!

Noah visits Santa at Oak Tree Academy

Noah & Santa- Christmas 2011

Santa visited Oak Tree Academy today, and Noah was 1st to see Santa.  He was so brave! He climbed right on Santa's lap! At first, he looked a bit terrified, but quickly warmed up. He told Santa that he wanted a "Thomas Snowy Mountain" for Christmas this year. Santa asked him if he has been good, and Noah shook his head yes. The sweetest part was the hug he gave Santa. Look at his little angelic face!!! Priceless!