Santa!!

This year we went to see Santa at the Domain, a ritzy outdoor mall. For the past three years we've done the same thing: my mom comes, we go to Barton Creek Mall, stand in line, throw the kids at Santa, take a picture, buy a picture, then eat Chickfila.
Well this year we did everything differently. My dad came too and we met a big bunch of friends for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, the food was good, but it took forever to get it! Fortunately it was a beautiful sunny day outside and we were right by the back door so the girls went outside and ran around the HUGE christmas tree a few times. Then we all packed up and went to see Santa. He was in a small workshop and there was no line! So we chatted for a bit and then sat on his lap and several of the girls had lists of what they wanted. I realized that since we never watch commercials or go to stores my girls really don't have ideas (yet) of what they want...interesting thought.
Lydia was so brave, we have the hilarious pictures of her screaming in his arms for two years and then the ones of me pushing her beside him. This year she said she wasn't going to sit on his lap but only stand beside him. But after chatting for a while and Gloria sitting on his lap, it was her turn and she did it! It took her a second to relax (though no tears or screaming) and she even smiled and talked. We were so proud of her!
When asked what she wanted this year Gloria said she wanted candy (she came up with that on her own). Lydia was prompted (a year ago) and answered, "World Peace!" Santa was awesome and never missed a beat! He said that was a big one but peace starts in our hearts and in our homes. We can have peace by being kind to our friends and not fighting with our sister and cousins....
Wow I was so impressed; we bought an extra package, (which were a little more expensive than the other mall), just for that one!

But never fear, we did have some tears! Little Joseph sat for a while but then was tired of it! So he was taken away and all the girls sat and smiled!
They got candy canes (Grandpa took baby Joseph's!), watched a little tv (while I bought the pictures).
Santa then went on a break and the girls played outside his workshop in the sun for a while. Then we went up and down the escalators in Dillards before heading home.