Friday, December 8, 2017

Fake Snow and Dive Bombs

When you are out in public, you have certain hopes for your children.  That they don't have a massive meltdown.  That they remain fully clothed.  That they don't pick their nose and eat their boogers.  Basically, that they behave like slightly civilized little human beings.  I say slightly, because we all know that children are savage. 

I have had, what I consider, reasonable expectations for visiting Santa this year.  I remembered that it took four tries, and a bribe to get Pookie to visit Santa when he was 2 1/2.  So now that Squishy is about the same age, I figured visiting Santa would be slightly bumpy.  I've been talking Santa up to Squishy.  Giving him the chance to get acclimated with the idea of visiting Santa.  However, this is always met with 'I see Santa. I cry.'  I've got to give the kid credit.  At least he is honest, and is giving me a heads up.  We did a trial run during the lighting on the Common.  Pookie had no problems going up and visiting with Santa.  Squishy on the other hand, had a death grip on my neck, and was crying hysterically.  I can't say that I blame him, Santa is a big guy with a loud voice, and a bushy beard.  I can see how this can be rather intimidating.

Some time went by, and I found the perfect afternoon to go visit Santa at the mall.  Both kids were in clean clothing.  (Yay!)  I gave Squishy the rundown of how the visit would go.  I'm feeling good about this visit.  We are good to go!  We get to the mall, and there is a small line to see Santa.  I figured this would be a good thing to help Squishy get acclimated to the idea of visiting Santa.  It's finally our turn, and Pookie marches right on up, and plunks himself next to Santa.  Squishy allowed me to put him on Santa's lap, however, he refused to look in Santa's direction.  The poor photographer was trying desperately to get Squishy to smile.  But it was just not happening.  I told the poor photographer not to worry about it, because one, Squishy is actually sitting on Santa's lap, and two, he's not shrieking like a banshee.  I'm calling this a win in my book. 

We say our goodbye's to Santa, and make our way to look at the pictures.  There is a line, due to only one lady working at the photo counter.  I have to give this lady props, because she was supper cheerful!  That is a hard emotion to maintain during the holiday season. 

Silly me, left the stroller in the car.  For whatever hopeful reason, I thought we would be in and out fairly quickly.  Squishy wanted to get down and explore.  He was not to thrilled when I told him that he could either be held, or he could stand and hold my hand.  It's finally our turn, and there is this perfect picture.  Pookie has this great big smile on his face.  And then their is Squishy.  His head is down, with a scowl on his face, and he is glaring at the camera.  It is absolutely perfect!  Both kids are actually looking at the camera!  It does not get any better than that. 

As I am trying to pay for our pictures, Squishy is being his delightful, destructive, self.  You know how they put plexiglas in front of large signs?  I'm not entirely sure what happened, but Squishy caused the destruction of the one in front of the register.  I managed to shove things together, while apologizing profusely.  Then Squishy makes a dash for it.  I have paid for my pictures, and I am trying to shove everything back into my bag while chasing after him.  At the entrance, there are two elves, with their faces cut out, so you can have a photo opt.  Squishy runs behind, and sticks his face through the opening.  As I was trying to get my phone out to take a picture, Squishy does a pirouette and runs under the rope, and dives into the fake snow.  One of the guys in line was laughing, and told me that would make a great picture.  I agreed, but knowing exactly how destructive Squishy can be, I pulled him out as fast as I can.  I'm juggling my bag, two coats, and a wiggly two and a half year old, that is covered in glitter and fluffy bits.  I gave Squishy a quick dust off, got him into his coat, and high tailed it out of there! 

I had hoped to go to the grocery store after our Santa visit.  We are almost to the grocery store, when Pookie informs me that Squishy has fallen asleep.  One long detour later, we finally make it home.  I was able to successfully transfer Squishy from the car to the house, and he took a great nap.  All in all, I will call it a highly successful visit to see Santa!