So since it was Dec. 23rd and we still had not seen Santa we decided to go see more lights at the botanical gardens where there would be Santa.   Before we left we had to do a few of our advent calender markers.  We were a few days behind.  This year like last year I made an advent calender.  I really liked this years it was a great addition to our decorations and the kids loved doing it everyday, or most everyday when we remembered.

It was cold outside and there was some major wind making it even colder but I did not want to try the mall again and so it was off to the botanical gardens to see Santa.  There is a bit of a walk up to the lights from the parking lot and by the time we got up there both kids were complaining that they were soooo cold, so we headed right into the little house to get warmed up.  Jaelee found a little lady bug with wheels.  She picked it up and went straight to the cashier and asked if she could have it.  She told her she needed some money so I found just enough in my wallet to give to her to buy the lady bug.

After warming up a bit we headed back out to walk around and look at lights and see Santa.  Luckily up by the lights we had a bit of a hill and the wind was not nearly as bad up there.  Our first stop was to see Santa.  We stood in line for a bit but then it was our turn.  Now most people know we have had a problem each year with Jayse and Santa but this year he said he wanted to talk to him and he seemed like he was really ready.  While standing in line he didn’t seem nervous or shy at all.

We let Jaelee go first and she walked right up there and sat on his lap.  Told him what she wanted for Christmas and got some cute pictures.  They had a pretty big photo set up so I couldn’t get right in front of Santa but still got some good ones from the side.

When it was Jayse’s turn he wouldn’t go up there.  Greg and to carry him up the steps and into Santa’s lap.  When he got into Santa’s lap he immediately put his hands up to his face and covered his eyes.  The photographers assistant and Greg tried to get his hands down but he was not having it.  After much coaxing he finally put his hands down but then closed his eyes as tight as he could.  Each year we progress a little, at least this year he wasn’t screaming and he was on the lap.  I’ll settle for closed eyes on the lap of Santa any day over screaming and kicking like previous years.

After visiting Santa we went to find his reindeer.  I got a couple of pictures by the reindeers pin and the butt of the reindeer int he background LOL.

We spent some time walking around looking at the lights and ended in the tent having a cookie and some hot chocolate.