Santa!

Once a year we brave the mall to go see Santa. Really, "brave the mall" is not the right phrase, since we always choose to go at a time when the crowds will hopefully be small. Usually a random Tuesday in December, before kids get out of school for the day and for vacation, assures us that we will have a short wait, if any wait at all. This year two babies were in front of us and that's it. This makes for a happy time for everyone involved.

Tristan was excited and Genevieve behaved much like Tristan did the first time he saw Santa. She wasn't afraid, but didn't really smile either. She was amazed and didn't really know what to think of this big dude with the big beard.

While we were there, Tristan also got to ride the train that is part of the Christmas display. The first time he rode it, although he actually LOVES trains, he got a little scared and wanted off. Then I guess he decided it wasn't so scary so he wanted to ride it again. I got a couple of pictures. He even got to sit in front and ring the bell but you can tell he's still not sure of the thing. When it was time to get off, he didn't want to leave so I guess he conquered his fear.

Most of the time all you see are moms in line with their kids and we've been lucky enough to have both Mommy and Daddy go for three straight years!

I also have to mention that it was sunny and HOT today. Tristan's sweater was only worn for the sake of the pictures and he dressed back down to his t-shirt when we were done. Oddly enough, only a couple hours later it SNOWED!!!