Let the Catch-up Begin...

We're back and I wanted to kick off a string of blog posts about our Christmas vacation with these Santa pictures. Almost a month ago we got to attend the annual gathering of my Californian siblings for Christmas, in which Santa is always the honored guest. He is actually a friend of my parents who dresses up every year (yes that beard is real!).

The girls did great with Santa this year--no one cried!

Natalie nonchalantly sharing a princess book with Santa

It was kind of a different story when she found out she would be required to sit on his lap. So, we eased into it.

The three of us

Success! She's on his lap...
She told Santa she wanted a little broom.

Elizabeth took her time deciding to go up but when she did, she did great!

I love this picture:

She told Santa she wanted a music box for Christmas.
Here she is with her well-earned candy cane:
Kari, my best friend of 20 years, came over to visit while we were in town and everyone forced us to go up and sit on his lap, as is also the tradition for anyone weak enough to give in to it (You can see who ended up on his lap and who didn't). :)
Here's a cute picture of Elizabeth and her cousin Brayden on the trampoline.

We love being able to attend these get-togethers now that we're in California!