Seeing Santa @ Phipps, 2009 Edition

Kate had a wonderful visit with Santa at Phipps Plaza! Our appointment was tonight at 7 p.m. We happened to get there a little early, so we walked around a bit before getting in line. While we waited for our turn, I worked on Kate's Christmas list, and Tanna worked on keeping Kate entertained with the help of his iPhone.

We've been talking up Santa for a few weeks now, to prepare Kate for her big date. She's been watching the DVD of last year's visit over and over (and over) again. She loves it--even though she screams through most of it. LOL! If you are going to Santa at Phipps and are on the fence about getting the DVD--do it! You won't regret it. I didn't get it the first year we went, and I definitely wish I had bought it.

Anyway, Kate was really looking forward to sitting on Santa's lap. She kept bringing it up, saying things like, "See Santa?" ... "Sit Santa's lap?" ... "Candy cane?" ... and so on and so forth. When it was her turn, she sat on his lap and got very quiet. I think she may have been a little unsure of the situation, but she warmed right up. They got a great photo, and I cannot wait to receive our DVD!

Santa was so sweet, as always. He went over her Christmas list and said some of the nicest things, including mentioning the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ. (See No. 7 on Kate's Christmas list.) God bless you, Santa--we love you!


Picture @ the Christmas tree by the water fountains


A quick stop in the Hanna store while we wait to check in. Kate loves playing with this toy there.


Once we were in line, the iPhone helped Kate pass the time. Here, she is watching "Gabs," as she likes to say.


Kate's Christmas List, 2009


Here's Santa going over the Christmas list with Kate.


Overview shot. Tanna was snapping photos while I sat nearby in case Kate decided to make a run for it. LOL! My one regret is that I turned up the cuffs on Kate's leggings--which are slightly too big--while we waited in line. They looked better that way when she was standing, but when she sat down, they looked too short and also were a little messed up on one side. Oh well! Not a big deal, but there you go!


This year, you can see your photo before placing your order. I also love that Santa's visitors are allowed to take their own pictures--just can't use a flash. That's not new this year, but I just wanted to mention it.


Kate *loved* her candy cane!


We took a few more photos on our way out ...


Merry Christmas!