Just as we suspected...

The Santa picture did not go well...at all...that is actually a huge understatement. And we tried to get pictures twice. The set up at the mall is so cute! It is like a little village -- little houses, snow, trees, animals, along a winding path that leads up to Santa. You can't actually see him until you turn the final corner and there he is, sitting in all his glory in a big chair inside a little cabin. Adorable. Well, the first time, as soon as Caroline rounded the corner and saw him, she took one step forward then immediately turned around and started running back down the path. We picked her up and told her who he was, sounding very excited, trying our hardest. The closer we got, the louder she got, and the more purple her face turned. Purple does not look good with a red snowflake dress and red patent leather shoes. So, we decided to go eat lunch and try again later. The second time, we tried to attack it from the rear. She was eating snacks (although she had just eaten lunch) and watching Santa with the other children through the back door while RJ was holding her. So when it was our turn (again), RJ took her in the back and all of Santa's assistants (3 of them) were trying to comfort her -- smiling, singing, giving her bells to play with, etc. The distraction method was even worse. Didn't fall for it for a second. Started flailing, screaming, etc. In a way, it was kind of funny. Luckily Santa was going on a break and there were only 2 more children in line behind us. Of course after Caroline's impressive spectacle, they ran crying to their parents. I'm sure Santa was ready for a break :)

We decided to walk around the mall while we were there and take in the Christmas energy. We went into a Christmas store and they had a life size Santa doll right in the front. She got very upset and we had to scurry through the store. Then she saw Santa ornaments...I'm afraid she is scarred for life. Maybe we will skip the picture with Santa this year -- although RJ is willing to try again. Brave soul...