We did extra work Wednesday and Thursday so we could take the day off school today.
We invited three of our friends to go along and two took us up on it. We parked our big van out in Timbuktu and headed into the mall for some Christmas window-shopping. We walked by Santa Claus as we entered and surveyed the line. The kids quickly dismissed the idea of waiting and on we trod.
We stopped into Build-A-Bear to see what was new since the last time we’d been in there two-plus years ago. It was fun, but busy. Off to Collector’s Paradise, the sports memorabilia store that sells stuff so hideously overpriced they should be embarrassed. The kids enjoyed looking through jerseys, posters, and cards in search of Tim Tebow items. I was absolutely FLOORED by how busy that store was. It was teeming with people. I barely had room for my stroller and it was hard to count heads. Then we headed on to Toyland, which may be the most aptly named store in the mall. [On the way we passed Collector’s Paradise Holiday Outlet, also crowded. I am clearly in the wrong line of work.] The kids entertained themselves a good while in Toyland and I played puppets with Johanna.
I headed them back toward the big, red guy. This time I got them right in line. Tabitha and our friend Ella really did want to say, “Hi,” to him and I didn’t want the peer pressure of the others to make them miss out. Neither of our families “do” Santa, but we don’t dislike the guy. Our family regards him like we do Chuck E. Cheese, or Elmo. Pretend, but we like make-believe. Nigel and Marie also decided to talk with him and we even popped Johanna over to him briefly.
As I just uploaded this picture Marie told me that Santa asked her if she was going to leave cookies out for him again this year; he loved the ones she made him last year. She was so amused by it. “It’s crazy, Mom!”
This is Santa asking Tabitha if she liked what he brought her last year. It is a miracle that she didn’t set him straight. Her face says it all. Johanna was totally unfazed and uninterested.
I don’t know what Nigel is talking about with him. Nigel is clearly considering what the gentleman said. Nigel would LOVE for there to be a guy that shows up with presents. Actually, so would I!
We stopped into Wendy’s drive-thru for Junior Frosties and we all had a good laugh over how small they are.
I just LOVE having a crew to take out. And there is something so totally awesome about a van full of kids belting out, “Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.”
We picked up the girls’ brother and brought him back home to play. Some are making cards, some are making movies of light-saber fights.
Tonight the girls and I are going to see the Nutcracker at a local college. We’ve never seen it before. It is a narrated, 60-minute production. I think that is just about right for my ladies.
Dayspring Disciples 