Cookies With Santa

Last night we had our Cookies with Santa party for the neighborhood playgroup at the neighborhood clubhouse. It was fun and I loved seeing all the kids so excited and anxiously awaiting Santa's visit!!

Here is Lily eating a cookie! Everyone brought a plate of cookies, so there were tons to choose from, I should have taken a picture of the cookie table!! By the way, I am officially tired of this outfit -- she has worn it three times this week since it is the most festive thing she has besides her Christmas dress! I think I may retire it until Valentine's Day! :)

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive!

All the kids rushed Santa, they were so excited! I held Lily back to see how she would react. She loves Santa, but I wasn't sure she was ready for the real thing yet. So we sat nearby with Hannah and Grace who were also scared and watched all the other kids take turns visiting with Santa. It was nice too, because once most of the kids got their time with the big guy they went home, so the crowd was clearing out considerably. I figured once most the people had left and it has calmed down some Lily would be more open to meeting Santa.

I was so wrong. I didn't even consider having her sit in his lap. The plan was for me to hold her near him to get a photo. . . this is the best photo we got. It is me trying to calm Lily down as she is screaming and clawing her way up me trying to get away. At least Santa is looking at the camera! She wouldn't even look at the camera so I could at least get a funny crying photo -- all I got was the back of her head as she tried to get as far away from Santa as possible! Honestly, I really wasn't expecting anything different.

Santa trying again to say hi -- this time on more neutral territory. Again, Lily turns away in fear.

Oddly enough though, she has absolutely no problem with Mrs. Claus! So we got a picture with her. Not sure why I look so excited in this picture!

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So that was a good trial run with Santa. . . I am not sure if I want to do it all again at the mall. We'll see, it may be best to wait till next year, she may be more cooperative! But, I had a lot of fun at the party and really felt like I belonged. It is amazing how many friends we have made here in such a short time!