Visit to Santa Claus

Happy New Year! A what better way to start out 2014 than a blog post, rather than waiting until February for me to get my act in gear. 

Next up: our visit to see Santa Claus while in Richmond over Thanksgiving.

Out in the driveway on our way to the Children's Museum. Always a good time trying to get a picture of Jack... See what I have to work with?

In line! Meghan is not so sure about all this.

Already shying away from the camera, this doesn't bode well. In other news Pop-pop made it this year!

There's a smile from the Megatron trickadoodle.

Next in line to see Santa chatting with the Snow Queen.

The whole experience in pictures... Clara is excited and in awe of Santa Claus as I try to work some magic on the other two. Clara takes the opportunity to ask him how old he is.

Jack, all set to stand beside Santa, is not happy to be placed on his lap.

Meghan is having none of it as I try to flee the scene in order to snap the picture.

Santa calls out, "a little help, Mom" as both Jack & Meghan are escaping from his grasp. Quick rearranging and reassuring ensues.

Money shot!

And thanks to Nay-nay we have the side view as well.

After the picture Meghan escapes to me as soon as possible, but Santa hugs Jack close to keep him around. Clara asked for some "Playmobil, Magic Tree House books, & some surprises" (check & check!).

Surprisingly enough after some coaxing, Jack tells Santa that he'd like a book. Clara was a super supportive big sister giving Jack a pat of encouragement

Clara then adds that she thinks that Meghan would like a baby doll. 

All in all it was a much better experience than the last couple. I was so proud of Jack for how far he's come considering two years ago, he cowered the moment we walked into the room, and last year he didn't make it into the picture. This year he sat on Santa's lap long enough to snap a photo and even managed to tell him a present that he'd like. I'm glad to finally have all three children in a picture together with Santa!