Here Comes Santa Claus

Every year, we do the visit Santa Claus. Our kids were all born in August or September, so each Christmas, we have watched them hit the holiday at about the same age. So, we had an idea of what to expect. Samuel set the stage...at 4 months, he was a sweet babe in Santa's arms. At 16 months, he was so scared that I had to hold him, and Kevin and I both had to be in the picture. At 28 months, he was once again an old pro, and climbed willingly onto Santa's lap.

Jacob was very much the same, so when we brought Hannah this year, Kevin and I knowingly looked at each other, and prepared for the explosion.

She did really good through the line. She kept her eye on the Big Guy. When it was our turn, the boys chatted with Santa and Hannah stayed back, within reach of me, and smiled and waved at him. She danced a little and twirled her pretty dress. But when he reached for her, she quickly backed up, keeping her eyes on him as if to make sure he didn't grab her when she turned her back. So, we picked her up, plopped her in his lap, and let the wailing begin. The annual 16 month old torture... at least our photos are consistent!

Next year, she'll likely be a pro like her brothers and Santa won't know what hit him when the Two Tykes and the Princess make their arrival.