a christmas story

friday, december 5th, cade and rhett didn't have school. i thought i would take advantage of everyone else being in school, by taking my kids to see santa and the movie 'bolt'. we arrived all groomed to the mall at 10:20 am. santa doesn't come until 11. our movie started at 11:15. so we walked around a minute, then left to the movies. i was going to take my chances of my kids not ending up with slimy skittles all over their faces, and buttery oil drips all over thier clothes. so, after the movie, we go back to the mall at 1. the sign says santa is gone to lunch and will be back at 2. meanwhile, i am trying very hard to stay happy, holiday mom, although it's becoming a struggle. so once again, we browse the mall, which anyone with small kids and one in a stroller who has learned to get out of the stroller knows, it ain't to fun - and thats when its 'not' crowded. anyhoo, we finally go back, 15 minutes early, and a MASSIVE family is in line. we are talking grandparents, grandkids, siblings, inlaws, outlaws, who knows- but its big. they take full advantage of the moment, and break all the pics off into 5 different family settings, then individual pics-both professionally and personally, and then individual kids sitting on santas lap. i totally get it. i'm not a scrooge. i do have the christmas spirit, however, 35 minutes later (i timed it), my kids were at the point of almost crying, and people behind me are becoming a little disgruntled and grumpy. finally, it's our turn. we go up, are courteous and take just a moment with each kid, and then a couple of shots are taken. this is the 'good' picture, with not one kid looking at the camara. i have to say however, that i love it. it's such a classic santa pic. i was just grateful that there were no arching backs and sweat pouring down my forehead. (well there was a little, because of the line and luke freaking out) i guess as parents we all just want one thing, for our kids and ourselves to just believe....