SANTA!!

Last week we all went to meet Santa! David was super excited to ask Santa for the few items he would like for Christmas. We talked the whole drive about how he was going to need to talk loud so Santa could hear him and know exactly what he would like. When we arrived I realized that David was a little confused. It turns out I wasn't clear on WHEN Santa would be giving David his gifts. David thought we would be bringing them home that day. 

We visited with Santa at the Bass Pro Shops near our home. Not only was Santa there, but also this super fun Santa's Village. We had such a good time! There were lots of great things to do:

Remote controlled monster trucks:

A little 4-wheeler:

And lots of other fun things that I was too busy enjoying to take pictures. 

But, the kids' favorite thing was the Merry-Go-Round. We rode it several times. 

I tried to get a nice picture of the two together, but once again it was mostly just a chaotic mess. This is the best I could get.

Finally, it was time to see Santa!!! We had watched him from afar a few times, but now was the big moment. I was a bit nervous as to how the kids would react once up there. David was a little anxious, but knew Santa was a good, gift-bringing guy. Rachael, on the other hand, wasn't having it for a second. She screamed like this from the moment I sat her in Santa's lap. 

When we got the official print out of our 2012 picture with Santa. I couldn't help but laugh. There in my hands, I was looking at every picture of me as a little girl with Santa. I immediately sent the picture above to Ma [and my brother] with the question, "Remind you of anyone?" 

 I am 5 months older than Rachael in this picture, but the similarities are incredible. 

And lastly, once I rescued Rachael from Santa, David got to have a moment with him alone. I love this picture, it's so sweet.