Today Ava Saw Santa

This was either going to go really well, or really badly. There's no middle ground here. 

The Easter Bunny didn't go so well, so we were kind of fearing the worst today. 

Arlee had her first doctor's appointment today and we tried to squeeze in seeing Santa before heading over to Family Physicians.

It was through no fault of yours but our plans were pretty well derailed from the beginning. 

We were on a tight schedule from the beginning and didn't anticipate running into people and chatting. 

I guess we should have, after all it is the Holiday's and the mall is packed with people. 

As we chatted with mom's former head coach while she was at Walsh I kept one eye on the line for Santa and noticed that it was pretty long. 

As we finished our conversation we decided it best to try and come back following the appointment. 

Both you and Arlee were fast asleep anyway. 

With Arlee's appointment in the books we made our way back to the mall. 

This time, it couldn't have worked out any better. 

It was getting to be mid-afternoon, around 4:00 p.m. or so, and after stopping for some pretzels we rounded the corner to scope the line. 

It was all but empty! 

After snaking through the line and waiting our turn we got close enough to see Santa. Mom said "Look over there, do you see who that is?" 

I was standing behind you so I couldn't see your reaction. All I saw was you tense up and almost step backwards. 

I thought "Oh great, this isn't going to go so well." 

Then, your hands came to your mouth in excitement as you almost jumped out of your boots. 

Mom told me later that the look on your face as you peered around the corner and saw Santa was absolutely priceless. 

I wish I would have seen it. 

We had to hold you back from running over to him while he had other kids on his lap and when it was your turn you sprinted over with excitement. 

This photo is truly worth a thousand words!