Santa....a continued tradition!

Today we took Alyssa to see Santa. It was quite the experience. Even though she doesn't understand it yet I think it's important to have these first moments and have them documented in life. It's something that she will be able to look back on and treasure and share with her family.

We decided to take her to the Seattle Nordstrom's downtown because that's where Cory and his brother, Tyson, had theirs taken every year. So the tradition will continue. I also think Cory's mom had her picture done there as well except it was Frederick and Nelson's then.

So we got up early and tried to be there when they opened. We got there around 09:45, they opened at 09:30, and the line was already around the corner and almost to the espresso stand outside. This was not going to ruin our first visit to Santa though. So we stood in line, and stood, and stood, and stood. Finally around 11:30 we were managing to get to the front of the line. It was great though because the employees came out and offered hot cider and cookies to everyone waiting. Once inside they even had pictures and crayons for the little ones to draw on and color. The children, at least around us, were all in such great behavior and dressed so very cute!

Alyssa was such a good sport the whole time. She had forgone her morning nap and hadn't ate since 07:00, except for a little bit of sugar cookie and strawberry puffs she received. We got to the front of the line and that's when she decided it was time to cry! Figures!!!!

She stopped almost immediately but her head was going on my shoulder and her hands were rubbing the eyes. I was getting prepared for a major melt down. We started our jaunt up to see Santa. The photographer told me where to set her on his lap and I did so, still awaiting the flood of tears. No worry though she sat there and posed for the camera like any big girl would. She makes me laugh because she doesn't quite understand that you need to smile before and during the flash of the camera but she does it after! Anyhow we got some great pictures and memories for her. We will receive her packet of pictures sometime next week. We got a few of our own that I can share now but I will put theirs up when I receive them.

Here are Cory and Tyson on one of their trips to Santa as well as Tyson's son, Nolan. I think they all have the same expression on their face!