Visit with Santa

We had fun visiting Santa this year.  The kids got so into it and couldn't wait.  We of course waited until one of the last weekends to go just because it took awhile to get their Christmas outfits together, etc. Then finally, my parents had got Evie this adorable little number pictured above and below and I already had the fun Santa train shirt for Evan so we were ready.  Also, we like to make it a family affair so it means that usually we need to go on the weekend.  This of course also means lots of people.

Well this year was no different we were hoping to visit with a Santa we had seen at the Fountains the previous weekend, but he apparently was only there for one day.  Thus we headed over to the Roseville Mall.  The line was insane and we did not want to wait, plus we haven't been too happy with our service there with the pictures either.  So we had to try to explain to the kids why we couldn't see Santa in the morning and had to wait to go see him at another mall in the evening.  We opted to go to Sunrise Mall who had this new system where you didn't have to wait in line.  You could just put your name on a waiting list with your cell phone and they would continue to call or text you as your picture time with Santa got closer.  It was amazing and the Santa was just as good if not better than Roseville.  We also were mailed a coupon in the mail which was another huge bonus! :)

Here are a few pics we got with the kids at the Roseville Mall.

We still had lunch there and got a Christmas gift so our time was spent productively.  We felt good about that, but couldn't justify waiting in an hour plus line to see Santa.

Now here are the kids pictured below at Sunrise Mall headed over to see Santa.  They were so pumped up!

Here they are waiting in front of the Christmas tree near Santa.

They were being so adorable holding hands.

Evie was all for the experience, until we got to actually seeing Santa.  The reality set in and she got "Nervous" and cried.  The best part is she tells people "I got nervous."  But, we told her that Santa understood and that he was still glad she came to see him.  Jim and I told Santa what Evie was wanting for Christmas instead since she was crying.  She was hoping that he would get her a pink bike helmet.  Evan was very brave; no tears at all and even smiles for the camera.  We were proud of both kids, but couldn't believe the transformation this year to last for Evan.  He told Santa that he really wanted a firetruck. :)

Both kids got a coloring book after their visit too and Mommy and Daddy got a fee set of wallets and key chain wallet picture frames with our coupon.  This was such a wonderful experience.  We loved the new system and the coupon was fabulous too.  Can't argue with a great deal!