Santa 2011

Every year we've taken our kids to see Santa to get their pictures taken.

It's the only annual photos we get of the kids (aside from school pictures) so I look forward to watching the changes in the kids reflected on Santa's lap.

The first year we thought we'd take baby Sarina to Portland's Nordstrom's so we could do a little tax free shopping while she was young enough to not realize what we were doing.  We were assuming Portland's Nordstrom's had a real santa with real photos just like in Seattle. 

I was bitterly disappointed to be handed a polariod.

LAME!

Every year after that we've gone to downtown Seattle instead.

Now, our photos aren't postcard perfect by any means.

But they certainly give a snapshot into the kids lives at the time they were taken.

Poor little Sarina trying to hold it together while her baby brother melted down next to her on a strange man's lap.

Sweet Charlie with his crazy long hair and bed head, looking like a poor neglected 3rd child.

Elsa content surrounded by brothers and a big sister.

This year they added a super sized IPad where the kids could make it snow while they waited for Santa.

Here they are getting ready for the real photographer to take their photo.

And yes, Elsa's wearing a skirt!  She also wore one for her preschool's Christmas performance!

Here's a youtube video #1 and youtube video #2 of them telling Santa what they want for Christmas. 

I LOVE santa's response to Carl's request.

I also love that both Sarina and Carl play with Elsa's hair when they're nervous. 

And I love it more that she looks so annoyed about it.

Here they are when it's all said and done. 

Next stop, Red Mill!  Best burgers ever!