Our visit with Santa.

Kristin and I decided to take the girls to the Bass Pro Shop to get their pictures taken with Santa. Last year....we went to Northpark Mall...which I loved, but we just waited too late in the year this year to try that one again! So maybe next year.

But then again....we had a really good experience here, too!! There was a line, but we were still in and out in just a little over an hour.

Parker was able to see the fish...

And play on the boats....

And found a nice, comfy chair to rest in for a bit...

So far so good.

Now...we are at the front of the line, but there are still a few people ahead of us. Parker appears to be so excited to see Santa. She almost walked right up to him, but then we had to hold her back because it was not our turn.

In the meantime...she is saying and waving almost continuously, "Hi Santa! Hi Santa!"

Here he is waving back to her...

At this point....I am thinking there is a slight chance she might go sit in his lap.

But I know my kid....and I was pretty sure that the bravery would end just there....she would get a little closer and realize that she did not want to sit in this big guy's lap that has this fluffy white beard and a big red suit on.

Well....

I couldn't even get her out of my arms. She was holding on so tightly. She pressed her little cheek so close to mine. I was laughing so hard. They offered to get a picture of both of us, and I obliged.

So here it is....our visit with Santa 2009!

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Good Parenting Tip of the Day:

When we were done with Santa...we let her play on the boats for a little longer....we've been cooped up in the house for a few days now.

When it was time to go.... she, of course, did not want to and tried to run away.

I quickly grabbed her and said, "Do you want to go sit in time out?" (At this point she is still squirmy and not at all phased by my threat....which is also typical.)

So then I said, "Do you want to go sit in time out by Santa?"

She stops in her tracks. Sat quietly for a second and responds, "Nooooo!" while shaking her head side-to-side.

She then immediately walks to her shoes and puts them on! Haha! I kind of felt bad...but really....the kids are supposed to want to be good for Santa...so sitting in time out by Santa would really never be good at any age. Right???