Santa

 Today we took the kids to see Santa at the mall. Carolyn has been enjoying the fantasy more than ever this year, thanks to the Elf on a Shelf that my cousin Erica gave us as a present (thanks, Erica!) The Elf is supposed to observe the children's behavior throughout the day and give report to Santa each night, then return to the house to observe from a different location in the house each morning. Every morning when the kids get up, they look for the Elf everywhere. They get disappointed when the Elf has a lazy day (aka, mommy and daddy forgot to move him). It's been a fun tradition to start. Anyhow, Carolyn especially is VERY excited about Santa. We've made a real effort to make sure that she is amply exposed to the true meaning behind Christmas (this year she can recite nearly all of Luke 2 word perfect from memory!)- but we've played along with the Santa game as well, mostly because I just want her to have all the special and unique experiences of childhood. And the window of wonder is so small- she should keep that for as long as she can! 

So anyway, despite the music playing in stores and the undeniably cold (yet still not snowy!) weather, Christmas has snuck up on me this year, and this was the first chance we really had to go see Santa. I want to be sure that Carolyn does indeed get whatever she asks for from Santa... so I needed a few days to get that arranged. She asked for a Tinkerbell doll, a Vidia (other fairy) doll, and a Strawberry Shortcake figure. Doesn't sound too hard... I'm glad she doesn't have very expensive tastes just yet. :) I think she's been a good girl and it's likely she'll get what she wants in her stocking. :)

Nora asked for nothing, except to be released from Santa's clutches. :) Maybe next year...

After the visit with the Man in Red, we let the girls ride the merry go round. :) They did have a good time, even though their expressions in the picture are a bit awkward!