Visit to Santa

Know Santa? Know Christmas.

No Santa? No Christmas Presents.

That's how we roll in our house. I believe in Santa Claus. I always will. My children *will* believe in Santa too - or they won't get gifts.

Because of this belief, we go and see Santa every year at the mall. Usually, we wait in line for an hour. I bring snacks and games. It's a hunker down, handle it the best you can kind of situation. Because the line is excruciatingly long. Every. Year.

Except this one. I got smart this year. We went at 3:45 (right after Santa gets back from his break) on the Monday before Winter Break begins. We walked right up to the front of the line. It was almost anti-climactic actually. It was at the front of the line where I noticed Julia's application of eye shadow. Eye! Shadow! The 9 year old!! I didn't realize she even had access to glittery eye shadow. But there it was, applied (artfully) to her eyes. Seriously. I am in a heap of trouble with this one if she's putting on make-up for the Santa picture at 9 years old.

So after our quick line for and quick picture with Santa, we headed over to the Cinnabon where I purchased hot chocolates ("very hot! very hot!") and cinnamon rolls for the kids to enjoy. Because this is the only way I can get Colin to go take a picture with Santa. And God bless him, he still does. And always will too, if he still wants to get presents.

Monday

And the winner is...

This is the letter that Julia slipped under my door last night. I think I get the "Mom of the Year" award for it. I really like how she has counted 5 people in her tally - even though Brian wasn't home to be counted yet. Maybe someone was extra hungry?

Tuxedo pants and athletic supporters

Edwin and Aidan "received" (we paid out the wazoo for) their Tae Kwon Do sparring gear a few weeks ago. Edwin is especially excited about it. He spent several days sporting the equipment and trying it out around the house. When grandparents arrived last week for the fattening holiday, the first thing Ed did was run back to his room to don the equipment. As they were only going out to lunch, Ed didn't really need to wear head to toe sparring protection. When he was told to change, he did so quickly, getting back into his tuxedo pants that he had worn to that morning's pilgrim/indian (yes, they are still called indians at this kindergarten) program:

Edwin: "Mom, I have to wear dark colors. I'm a pilgrim."

Hence the tuxedo pants. What he didn't take off in his dash to remove the gear was his athletic supporter. Because I guess you just can't be too careful at lunch these days. Tuxedo pants and athletic supporter... outfit of champions.