First up was the Pink Pig ride. Priscilla, the pink pig, was there saying hi to everyone before the ride. Handley danced around with her and hugged her while Harper stayed as far away from the dressed up character as possible.
Handley and Avery ran to the back to find their seats while Harper and Reece jumped in the first seats they could find. The ride itself is pretty short and really not all that exciting, but the kids just love it and it is fun to go through the lighted tent and see the characters.
Hudson wasn't to sure what to think at first, but he usually takes his cues from the other kids and wants to fit in so when he hears and sees them being excited he follows suit and joins in. During most of the ride he was just fascinated by everything, and loved seeing himself in the mirrors.
We got to ride twice, so the second time around the kids decided to switch to the front!
Next up it was time to visit Santa. One of the reasons we plan this outing in the morning one day during the week is because there is hardly anyone else there. We don't have to wait at all and the same was true today. We arrived to find Santa waiting for us. The kids were thrilled when we saw him from afar and they all started laughing and waving and running to get in line. Handley and Harper grabbed their lists and were ready, but I wasn't sure how Hudson would do. He was eating a snack at the time and I just let him hang on to it and set him right beside Santa at first.
Next the girls were busy telling Santa all about their lists. He is such a sweet man and really takes the time to listen to the kids and talk to them, which makes the experience so magical. He reminded them to leave out milk and cookies and for the rest of the day Harper has told me that Santa really likes cookies so we have to make some for him.
I tried putting Hudson on Santa's lap just before saying goodbye and he didn't seem to mind. He didn't smile, but he didn't cry, so I am considering that a success!
After we walked away from Santa and waited for the rest of our group to take their turns Harper kept telling me she wanted to see Santa one more time. There was no one else in line so I sent her back over and she gave him the biggest hug. We were able to pile all the kids onto his chair for one quick group picture and then we were off to have lunch at the food court. Herding 7 excited kids through the mall was a challenge, but one that I would do over and over again for the memories we made today.
Christy, Tiara and I vowed that even though we will all be living in different cities this time next year, that we will continue this tradition and get together for this special time of year!
No comments:
Post a Comment