A visit with Santa

If smiles are the measure of success, then we can call this year's visit to see Santa hugely successful! Not since 2007 have we had such a successful visit. (Despite the rather lame Santa that first year...what did I know? I was new to the whole parent thing. I wasn't 'in-the-know' with regards to which Santa Claus was the coolest. Who would've thought there was even such a thing?) Since then, we've stuck with the same jolly, authentic-looking Santa who visits Billings Bridge Mall each and every year. Apparently, he's been there forever. (For a Santa picture refresher, check out the previous years' pictures here and here.)

While waiting in the Santa line this year, Ysabella still wasn't sure if she wanted to go up and talk to the large, rather intimidating Man in Red. She told me that she would "try to be brave" (how cute is that??)...and brave, she was! Santa introduced himself and then he said the magic words: "Bella, would you like a candy cane?". That's all it took. She practically peed her pants with excitement and she had no qualms about sitting on his knee, as if he were a long lost best friend. They chatted for a bit, posed for the camera, then we said our good-byes, and off we went. If a candy cane was all it took then look out!, we are in trou-ble!! (Cue the conversation about never taking candy from strangers...)


Ysabella will also be getting this special message from Santa this year. Check back later for her reaction to his message.