Man in Red

Holiday Traditions are something that I look at pretty fondly from my childhood.  When Thomas and I first got married, we started talking about what sorts of traditions we wanted to create as a family.  Santa pictures were at the top of our list!! Funnily enough we both grew up going to see Santa at Frederick & Nelson (RIP) and its so much fun looking back at all our old pictures - with the same Santa!

Lucky for us we have the BEST Santa near us!

So I mentioned the other day that we went to go visit Santa.  

Ellie had the time of her life last year meeting the "Man in Red" that I was really hoping that with her friendly demeanor and constant need to wave at everyone we would have a repeat of last year.  

The mall we go to for our Santa Pictures really has it down to a science.  You can go around to the front and get a good look at Santa but the whole line is behind him.  I think this is great because then kids in line can't see how upset the child is in front of them and then decide to get scared of the man. The line was relatively short (just about 10 groups in front of us) which gave Ellie ample time to sneak peeks at the big guy.  We took her around the front to take a look and wave and blow kisses.  She was a total ham, so much so that Santa got distracted by blowing her kisses and waving to her!!!

When it was finally our turn, Ellie got a little bit shy, but after some tickling and secret telling she warmed right up and I think we got the best picture with Santa in the history of Santa pictures. She also told him "Ho, ho, ho"!! the cutest thing ever!!  #mombrag

Last year's iPhone photo:

this year's iPhone photo: The Best amiright?

I am so happy that we get to make these memories with Ellie and for the selflessness of her birthmom in giving us the most wonderful gift!  We love our Ellie!

So, how did your Santa pictures come out?

♥ Ashley