The Sams Family: Santa Visit

Yesterday, we had a little lull in activity so decided to make a go at taking Santa pictures. Mason hasn't been so sure of Santa in previous visits. Last year he was ok until we tried to place him on his lap, at which point he burst into tears. When we ventured to Cougar Mountain Zoo a few weeks ago, he was quite timid with Santa and chose not to get near him. So, you can imagine our uncertainty that this could or could not go well.

Lines were pretty long at the main Santa in the mall so we decided to hit up Nordstrom. There was still an hour wait there, but we could give our cell phone # and do some shopping and grab dinner while we waited. We also knew we were buying time as Chloe got closer to her feeding time. We have been trying to prep him for the visit, explaining that he's a "very nice man," will give Mason a candy cane and want to hear what Mason wants for Christmas - his favorite response - a train book. We also connected with Santa this week and he got back to Mason with a video message and we also hoped that would help make him more comfortable. http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/8f9227295bffb64241d80edb5eea8afc. For any parents, you should try this web site. It's amazing.

He did start to get a little restless, but we bought time with a toy rocking horse in the Nordstrom kid's department. As soon as we walked into the picture room, Mason marched right up to Santa and told him he wanted a train book and a candy cane. Santa was very friendly and chatted with Mason while we got Chloe settled in his lap.