You've come a long way baby..........

This is a picture from last year. Notice Mackenzie's reaction to Santa!

Here is this years picture taken on Sunday. Now that's what I call progress!

Actually, it wasn't quite as simple as that. We started our day at "brunch with Santa". We waited forever to be seated, and "Santa" kept walking by us in the lobby. Kelsey decided he looked "suspicious"!She's so funny (and she was right!) I asked "Santa" if we could get a picture with the kids, and Mackenzie wanted no part of it. She wouldn't even stand close enough to be in the picture.

After we finally sat down and started eating,


and made a holiday toast, Mackie decided she was ready to greet him.

By that time it was too late, Santa had left the building!

Every year we go and let the kids each choose one new ornament for the tree. We knew there was a more real looking Santa at the store, so we hyped up the talk about how the Santa at brunch was just a helper because the real Santa was at the other store. Mackenzie was so tired, but excited to meet the "real one"! When we got there, we waited on line, and then it was our turn. As you can see by the picture above, she went running into his arms. It was so sweet! We were able to get a nice shot of all 3 of them with him.

After we took our picture, we went outside to see 2 of his reindeer, Dancer and Prancer! The kids were very impressed......


As we were leaving, I told the kids to wish Santa a Merry Christmas. They all did, and then Ryan proceeded to wish Santa a "Happy Hanukah" with a truly sarcastic smirk on his face! He's such a little wiseass ~ that's one of the many things I love about him! :) We really all had such a wonderful day.

Since we were already in the holiday spirit, when we got home, I made this. Make sure your speakers are on ~ the kids think this is a riot! Enjoy!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1264956531