Better Not Pout

Last night, Matt and I took Ava to meet Santa Claus. We drove to the other side of the world, aka Four Seasons Mall, and joined the line of other parents and kids anxiously waiting for their moment with, "The Man."

Ava had never been to Four Seasons Mall before, so to say that she was mesmerized by everything to behold would be an understatement. And I'm not just talking about the Christmas decorations, the stores, the hustle and bustle of the season... I am talking about the fact that bullet proof vests are a necessity before stepping on the premises and that the kiosk workers will nearly turn their carts over on you if dare walk by without showing interest in their product. If you've been to Four Seasons lately, you know what I mean.

After waiting in line and pointing to every possible bell, light and ornament in sight, we finally made it into Santa's village. Ava was beside herself with excitement. We let her stand along the gate that prevented her from falling into a mountain of artificial snow. For several minutes, Ava clung onto the gate like there was no tomorrow... Apparently the snow, trees and other North Pole decorations were hilarious. Ava laughed and squealed for five minutes straight.

"This is great," we thought. Ava was in an exceptionally good mood and we were next in line to see Santa! Surely Ava will continue to be in a good mood for a photo opp, right? I mean, what is so scary about leaving the comfort of Mom's arms, only to be placed in the lap of a complete stranger who is wearing a strange outfit and has white, wiry whiskers growing out of his face?

If nothing else, the people in line behind us got a good chuckle out of Ava's reaction. Even though we were charged an arm and a leg just for ONE 5x7 picture, it was worth every penny. What can I say Ava? You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why.... Hmm, guess it's too late, huh?

*On a side note, as scary as Four Seasons can be, the Santa there is anything but scary. He was wonderful and was very nice to Ava, despite her reaction to him. He even told her, "Ava, I enjoyed our time together. Hopefully next year, you'll enjoy your time with me too."*

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love all of the traditions I grew up with as a kid and since being married, I have loved learning about the traditions in Matt's family too. Matt and I are really looking forward to continuing our family traditions with Ava as well as starting a few new ones of our own. One such new tradition is called, "The Elf on the Shelf." Every year after Thanksgiving, The Elf on the Shelf (specific name to be determined when Ava can talk) will come into our home and keep a watchful eye on everyone in the house. Each night, The Elf will fly back to the North Pole and give Santa a report as to how everyone in the house is behaving. Each morning, The Elf will spy on our family from a new and different location. Today, he is keeping watch from our Christmas Tree. Who knows where he will be tomorrow!

(The Elf on the Shelf really is a great idea for families with small kids. If you're interested in learning more, click here.)

We hope you all are staying warm, done with your shopping, geared up to eat with family, and most importantly, staying focused on the true meaning of the season!

 

"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:9-12