Visiting Santa

Last Sunday we headed to North County Mall to visit Santa. We had gone there last year and it was a good experience so we decided to return this year. We had a bit of a rough time this year, but it all turned out well in the end. We got to the mall later than planned and noticed a pretty long line. We were hoping it would move fast, but that was not the case. I guess the owner of the mall decided everyone should enter their email address on a kiosk before they got to Santa. This caused a major delay. Not to mention you had to choose your picture on the camera taking the shots, so the next group couldn't see Santa until the group before picked their favorite picture. So Jim and Ben stood in line - lemonade in hand - while Christine and Rick wandered the mall and I tried to do a little shopping as well. After moving maybe 4 spots in about 25 minutes, we almost left, but then they turned off the kiosk and seemed to get the process under control.

When we finally made our way to Santa, Ben was a little shy at first and holding my hand, but once Santa gave him a candy cane, he was better.  Santa asked him what he wanted this year and Ben rattled off his list of 3: Pizza Planet, Chuck's Stunt Park, and a big helicopter Lego set in the softest, quietest voice ever, it was hilarious.  Santa didn't get a word of it, but nodded anyway.  Then Ben sat on his lap and smiled for a picture and we were on our way!

Getting in line

Ben checking out why it's taking so long (the kiosk was in that tree)

The lemonade kept him happy for most of the time

Family pic

Ben playing with the enormous ornaments on the tree

Candy cane from Santa

Telling him his wish list

Santa trying to hear his list!

Up on the jolly man's lap

Smiling for the camera

2012 Official Picture