Santa Time!

I couldn’t stand waiting any more – time to take Jackson to see Santa!  I decided to go to the same place we went to last year – he’s just so awesome! 

I tried to pick a time where I figured the line would be minimal, but we still had to wait a bit.  And Jackson is NOT a fan of being still and patient – he’s always so energetic and physically active. Even when he stands in one spot, he’s usually jumping around or dancing.  It was only about 15 minutes but even the iPhone games, a toy ambulance, my constant attempts at distraction, and, hello, even friggin’ Santa and his festive entourage on display did not appease Jackson.  He just does not want to stand still in a place where Mommy says so.  He laid on the floor.  He kneeled on the floor.  He ran and hid in the clothing racks to which he described as playing “dress up.”  He pulled on my pants leg.  He crawled back and forth between my legs.  Somehow we made it to the front of the line and I completed the paperwork!  The hardest part about single-mama-hood is standing in line for more than 3 minutes, hands down.

We didn’t have to wait long for our turn – and he did great!!!  A HUGE difference compared to last year where I ended up having to sit on Santa’s lap too. :)  He was a bit shy at first, but after all the crazy photography was finished, he opened up and chatted with Santa.  He even told him a  couple of items he was hoping to get for Christmas – Stinky the garbage truck and Handy Manny’s construction play set. 

And I know I shouldn’t brag, but he was friggin’ adorable.  Like baby Gap adorable (if by Baby Gap I really mean frugal finds Wal-Mart sweater + consignment sale button-up).  Even Santa said so…. and then he joked that it’s a shame I haven’t made any other beautiful kids like J.  <blush>

Here are some other highlights from our Santa visit adventure…

I think Jackson enjoyed the escalator rides more than visiting Santa.  Note to self --- save quarters spent on crappy mall rides and instead just hit up the escalator!

Oh my!  The engineering is so magical!  Checking it all out….

Adorable.

a 10 second sample of my life while “standing” in line with Jackson

Finally time to go 1-on-1 with the big guy!

Santa is so random! Ham biscuits & coke! And totally after me to make more little Js! Santa, you’re so magical it’s already awkward… let’s just stop there! :)

When I asked J to tell me his favorite part about visiting with Santa he exclaimed “the CANDY!”  Here he is thoroughly enjoying the lollipop.

And just cause it was so ridiculously Hallmark-should-be-jealous adorable, here it is again: