The Santa Experience

Okay, I bought into commercialism a little bit this holiday season.  It seems almost wrong not to get the infamous picture with Santa.  Even with the possibility of a crying baby because she's freaked out by the guy with the big white bushy beard.  I did some research to find that most mall locations are way over priced (think $25 for a starting price and that only gets you one 5X7 or a CD with a couple of images you then have to pay to print and you are not allowed to take your own photos).  One of the moms from the mom and baby class we attended last Winter (oh so long ago already) mentioned The Santa Experience at Mall of America (thanks, Becca!).  For a minimum purchase of one 5x7 {$17.11 after tax} you are allowed to take as many personal photos as you want.  Also, you schedule an appointment ahead of time so there is literally minimal waiting in line on your part.  No sitting fee, no appointment fee, and with a minimum purchase unlimited personal photos.  They also video tape the session, so you have the option of buying that as well.

Audrey did fantastic.  She had fallen asleep for the twenty minutes it took to get to the mall and woke up a little foggy.  In fact, I think she looks kind of tired in the photos, but she smiled, giggled, and just stared at Santa.  My dad, Audrey's Bubba, has a big bushy beard (and she absolutely adores him) so maybe that prepared her for the big guy in red.  However, she's been known to walk up to complete strangers and give them hugs and want to be picked up (cute now, but we'll definitely have to start talking "stranger danger" at a young age with this one).  The picture we picked to print is actually one of Audrey sitting in front of Santa because she just had the happiest look on her face, but I was able to get some really good shots of her on Santa's lap and even one with the two of them looking at each other.  See for yourself below!  :)

 

 

 

Oh my little bundle of happy energy.  My heart overflows with joy being her momma. Already this Christmas season is brighter because she is in our lives.  Thank you Lord, for entrusting us with this precious gift!