Seeing Santa

I know...Christmas posts still? Actually...pre-Chrismtas posts still? Well...these are memories I want to remember. And since I don't have the drive to go do the gazillion things I should be doing, I'm going to take a break and blog about two month old pictures!

River Heights has this Christmas Tree Lighting tradition, and each year we gather outside in below freezing temperatures to sing a couple of off-key Christmas songs, turn on the lights on the Christmas Tree, and visit with Santa. It's one of those things that's always a bit crazy, and kids always end up crying because they're freezing cold, but we have to do it because who doesn't want to see Santa? And plus, it happens right across the street from us. One of the perks of living across from a freaking awesome park!

This year, I had to do it with three kids, and no hubby. Sam was off teaching, so I bundled up the three kids, threw them in the stroller with a ton of blankets, and traveled across the street. Luckily, my friend was there with her three kids and no hubby, so we could chill together. AND one of my fabulous young woman kept track of one of my kids the whole time, so it went over pretty well.

Well...it started out pretty well.

We commenced to sing our songs, watch the tree light up, and headed over to wait in line for Santa. Savy was glad her friend Lydia was there to keep her entertained. These two can be serious goofballs when they're together. They're also lucky enough to be in nursery AND preschool together. (Their poor teacher!)

Savana was actually excited to sit on Santa's lap this year, no tears and no hesitation. She knew exactly what she was going to ask him for Christmas...a dollhouse for her Barbies. Santa was a good listener, because that's exactly what he brought.

Zoey thought Santa was totally awesome (can't you tell by her facial expression), and she whispered in his ear that all she wanted for Christmas was world peace....

and her mom to get spoiled.

And this kid? Well...he refused to keep his gloves on. Consequently, he slipped and fell in the snow, catching himself with his bare hands, and began screaming because his hands were cold. (Yeah, that's why mom told you to keep your gloves on!)

He then had no desire to see Santa, eat donuts, or drink the scalding-hot hot chocolate. He just wanted to get his hands warm, which was impossible to do outside, so I loaded up the kids again, bundled them up, and hurried across the park to our nice warm home

(spilling hot chocolate all over our stroller and listening to both Zoey and Dexter protest against the frigid cold weather at the top of their lungs).

And this...is the angel of a young woman who helped me stay partially sane that evening. My kids absolutely adore her, and I completely admire her for her patience and kindness. Without her, I may have ditched out even earlier.

Although it was a slightly chaotic evening, we got one thing checked off our

list of Christmas to-dos. And all for free!