seeing santa...

here is a look back at olivia with santa...

2005, she was great, but she was only 4 weeks old in this picture.

2006, screamed and cried, but she would at least sit on his lap.

2007, she literally shook in fear as soon as she laid eyes on santa. there was no way she was going to sit on his lap.

i was hopeful that jack would not be afraid of him and that this year would be different since olivia was the one that started talking about visiting him and telling him what she wanted for christmas. for several weeks we have been preparing for this "meeting." finally last week the time came. first we went over to the fifers. their grandpa, a.k.a. paw-paw, dresses up every year (he is the santa in all the past santa pics) as santa and comes over to the fifer house for pictures. it is great because paw-paw santa is so patient and kind with each child, no matter the amount of tears. this year mark had to take the kids and capture the event because i was out of town. in true jack fashion, he sat on santa's lap and smiled for the camera.

olivia, not so much. according to mark it took quite a while to convince her to sit with him, but eventually she too cooperated and mark was able to get a few pics.

a little nervous, but she made it!

after success with paw-paw santa my mom really wanted to take the kids to see the santa by her house. so once again we got them dressed in some christmasy clothes and they went to make another visit. again, jack just sat and smiled and olivia took a bit more convincing. she eventually felt comfortable enough to stand next to him. i think the picture turned out pretty cute.

so all in all, i am happy with our visits to santa this year. at least this year we are not screaming and both kids got close enough for a picture. we did not technically sit on his lap each time, but olivia did find enough courage to tell him what she would like for christmas...

"i would like a tape measure, a pink scooter, and handy manny's toolbox."