I loved tonight because it so embodies Leif and my style – in raising kids but also with life in general. We decided, relatively last minute, to take the kids (and Grandma) to Bellevue to watch snowflake lane and all its magic. We bundled the kids up because it was freezing and they both looked like little snowmen about to fall over. As we were driving to Bellevue, we started talking about Santa pictures which we had not yet gotten. Leif had heard that there was a 2 hour line most times of the day. But, just in case, we parked on the opposite side of the mall so that we could check out Santa’s house on the way to Bellevue Way. Sure enough, there was a concert going on in the mall that had pulled almost everyone away from Santa. The line was only about 15 minutes long and we didn’t want to miss our chance. But, Santa pictures in jackets on top of sweatshirts on top of sweatshirt? I don’t think so. So, while Leif stood in line and grandma showed the kids all the decorations, I ran down to Gymboree (the kids store) and picked out Santa outfits. We stripped them down right there in Santa’s shop and got them in their new and improved outfits just in time for the picture. Skyler wailed but stopped when we told her she could have a lollipop – however, that did not mean she was happy about the whole thing! Liam told Santa he wanted a red piano, a yellow camera transformer, and captain america.

Once the pictures were over, we went out in time to catch about 15 minutes of the snow and drums and princesses and snowmen. It was Hector’s for dessert after that and to bed at 9:30 – I think the latest the kids have ever been out! It was a crazy but magical night.