I took my kids to see the Mall Santa Claus today after the incessant "don't be a Scrooge!" from both my inbox and from my husband. I stood in line and went along with all the other little stories that the parents were telling their kids, like "Santa's off feeding his reindeer right now." The whole thing felt like a deleted scene from "A Christmas Story."
I didn't spoil the boys' wide-eyed wonderment, and Ewan was in such awe by the time it was their turn to sit with Santa that I had to retrieve his jaw from the floor so as to get him moving. I was going to sneak some photos of them meeting Santa for the first time but the elves said it was prohibited and one of them was staring at me as I tried to take photos with my phone (which was futile and I only got shots of my thumb).
It was even more precious when Liam told Santa that all he wanted for Christmas was "to have the breast Christmas ever."
He was a good Santa; he didn't skip a beat and with a straight face said that all of his Christmases should be the best ones ever.
Ewan told Santa that he wanted a Toodee, a train, and a "spot elephant." I'm all WTF? on that last one, too.
On the way out we saw some Marines ("NUTCRACKERS!" Ewan hollered and pointed. I didn't correct him because in a way it was true) and other servicemen and as custom, we stopped them, shook their hands, and thanked them for their service. I am not a mushy person by any means but to see Liam give thanks nearly made me sob like a big giant baby right in the mall next to a kiosk of knock-off purses.
Waiting for Santa.
I didn't spoil the boys' wide-eyed wonderment, and Ewan was in such awe by the time it was their turn to sit with Santa that I had to retrieve his jaw from the floor so as to get him moving. I was going to sneak some photos of them meeting Santa for the first time but the elves said it was prohibited and one of them was staring at me as I tried to take photos with my phone (which was futile and I only got shots of my thumb).
It was even more precious when Liam told Santa that all he wanted for Christmas was "to have the breast Christmas ever."
He was a good Santa; he didn't skip a beat and with a straight face said that all of his Christmases should be the best ones ever.
Ewan told Santa that he wanted a Toodee, a train, and a "spot elephant." I'm all WTF? on that last one, too.
On the way out we saw some Marines ("NUTCRACKERS!" Ewan hollered and pointed. I didn't correct him because in a way it was true) and other servicemen and as custom, we stopped them, shook their hands, and thanked them for their service. I am not a mushy person by any means but to see Liam give thanks nearly made me sob like a big giant baby right in the mall next to a kiosk of knock-off purses.
Waiting for Santa.
What a great time and I would have sobbed!!!
I think we all, at one point or another, hold our tongues so not to spoil that "awe and wonderment" in our children's lives. Mad props for you there! I would also like to say a great big "Thank You!" for thinking of our servicemen and women out there when you see them. My husband is in his 20th year in the AF, and I really feel like he just doesn't hear or see things like that enough. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season! Best wishes!
I think that Liam has spoken for many of us here today!
Has Ewan been watching Rudolph? There's a polka dot elephant on the island of misfit toys. I've always wanted one :)
You DID pony up the ridiculous amount of money they charge for the Mall Santa Photo, right? Please tell me you did for their first time meeting Santa???
And kudos to the boys == best Christmas ever (scuse me, BREAST Christmas ever) and thanking the soldiers, IS truly the spirit of the season. Great kids you have!
So, Santa's got paparazzi-blocking elves now?
BTW, the nutcracker comment? Made me laugh so hard my keyboard is now, uh, under water, shall we say?
PS - I look at the picture and I swear you put Chris in the dryer. Those two should win the father-son lookalike contests hands-down.
@anotherdana That may be it. They love that and watch it on repeat via the DVR. I'll have to check it out.
@karla I did, as per the grandmothers' request. The Santa photos are always hilarious!
Breast Christmas. Oh that is funny.
And I would have been teary-eyed too if my son would have thought to do something that sweet!
Way to go Dana!
Ya know..I was beginning to wonder if you hated Santa, or maybe you may you weren't allowed in any reindeer games as a child and never quite recovered or something....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPBS7dVrE1U
Thx
Jimi
I've said it before, and I'll say it again --- you've really got a couple of Kool Kidz there. I wish more parents today were like you and Chris.
Ok, so obviously Ewan looks like Chris, but in this picture, holy cow! He looks like an identical mini Chris!...Just saw Kim's comment. Looks like I'm not the only one thinking that way. Give the boy some stilts and we might have a hard time figuring out who is who!
Thank you for recognizing our effort in defending freedom around the globe. Its quips and stories like yours that makes me proud to have earned the title ‘Marine’.
Happy Holidays Dana.
yup, that spotted elephant is from the misfit toy island. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer_(TV_special)#The_Island_of_Misfit_Toys he is in that picture. Cute that is what he wants, good luck finding one. LOL
sorry you couldn't get pics, but at least they were so cute to pose before for you.
Glad Santa just rolled on by that "breast" comment. hehe
fun~!
Holy smokes that's adorable...
Love your blog. I hope you don't mind if I link it.
Great things, great memories!
I took my kids to the mall santa and the line was so long that I told them santa prefers letters in the mail instead. It worked, thank God!