Our Love/No Love Relationship with the Man in Red

We haven't had the best of luck getting acquainted with Mr. Claus in years past.  The first two years Dude wouldn't come closer than 5 feet from the bearded man.  Last year we made some forward progress when he sat on the floor in front of Santa (back toward Santa) and yelled out his Christmas desires.  No contact was made, but we were thrilled with his new found sense of adventure.  WELL...as you can see, Duder has made it to the lap friends.  With no qualms.  In fact, he sat on TWO Santas laps last weekend.  One up in tree cutting land with Brady and again that night after our dinner date with the Foremans.  His wishes are Dumbo, Madagascar and Cars 2.  Brady requested mustard, which really should be on every child's list.

I was never taught about Santa, nor was my husband, but for whatever reason, we've decided to go with it for our kids.  We're doing our best to tie the fat man who comes into your home illegally with Jesus some how.  It's a stretch, but it's working so far.  Duder knows Christmas is Jesus' birthday and Jesus uses Santa to deliver presents to his children.  I know my mother is disappointed in this sense of "logic," but there is something to say for the magic of the whole conspiracy. 

Anyway, back to our photo ops.  We had such good fortune with Dude and his Santa pal that we ventured a try with Miss Princess.  We put her on one knee and our itty bitty friend Harper on the other knee.  Squirt's too young to really know what's going on, right? 

Mmmm...Santa finally told me that if I didn't remove her from her torture that she might never get over the Santa induced trauma.  I removed her, laughing all the while.  Ahhh, Memories.  Just like her brother.  But we have hope for the future! So much hope that we tried her again, this time with her brave, big brother. 

 She's thinking about maybe liking it this time....

And, no.  Not so much.  She lost it after she decided to look at who was holding her.  Come on, this is about the cutest Santa you'll ever see right?  He makes me kinda believe that he'll be coming down my chimney on Christmas morning, full of presents and Christmas magic. 

I'd like to showcase the Foreman children below, perfect in their Santa joy.  Some day.  Some day.  And finally, Duder and Tim spent 20 minutes on skates with Jack and Eric.  Much practice will be needed to master this particular hobby, but Duder loves it none the less. 

Enjoy the magic of your holidays!  We're taking it all in over here in beautiful Colorado.