Visit to Santa Claus

Well, we decided to venture up to the great Opryland Hotel today to see Santa Claus. My sister had emailed about wanting to take the girls up for their first visit with Santa, so she wanted to know if I could go with her to help out. Well, we decided that Friday was a good day for both of us, so we put it on the calendar. So, we (along with my mom) took our three combined children to see Santa this afternoon. I decided to dress Avery up in his Halloween costume (which was Santa), so that I could get a picture of "Big Santa" and "Little Santa". By the way, last year's visit to Santa was an absolute bust for Avery...he was absolutely terrified, so he wouldn't get anywhere near him. I had been talking to him really since last Christmas, and he had finally convinced himself that he was ready to meet Santa.

Until he saw him for real in person.

After several minutes, I finally convinced him that we could stand beside him and I could hold him just so we could get a picture of him since he looked like Santa. (I also bribed him with a ride on the "choo-choo," so I think that helped a little.)

I actually got my mom to take some pictures of us while we were up there. She had a little trouble with my camera, but we did get a couple of good shots.

Anyway, I think Avery and I were much more of a hindrance than a help to Candy. The girls did a great job. I think they may have been asleep during the actual photo op, but I was busy calming Avery down, so I didn't even get to take a picture of them with my camera. Candy ended up having to feed the girls while Avery and I rode the train, and I ended up having to leave to go pick up the kids from school, so our visit was a little rushed. I apologized to Candy for not being more help, and she said she'd have to find better help next time.

I posted a few pictures of our day today. I also included a picture of Avery in his jammies on "Polar Express" day. Sweet baby! :-)