Santa's Workshop

After going to the Children's Theater to see The Nutty Nutcracker (which Olivia loved) we decided to see Santa since we heard he was visiting at the mall.  What we didn't know though, was that Santa's workshop was there!  Knowing that we were going to get a crying Santa picture this year, I was very excited to see how this was set up.  Santa's helper took Olivia to the workshop and showed Olivia all of the tools and toys Santa was working on.  While Olivia was entertained "painting" Santa came out. 

We got several cute pictures with Olivia smiling (since she didn't know Santa was behind her) but I chose not to get those because I think a Santa picture should capture the moment.  After several of these cute pictures, Olivia looked back and saw Santa.  She stared at him for a moment and then slowly turned back and then this picture was taken...

The very next picture was a picture of Olivia holding her arms out reaching for mommy.  I was happy we were able to get a picture with Santa without tears being involved and I loved that Olivia got the experience of visiting Santa at his workshop.  There was the option to also sit with Santa to tell him what you want for Christmas but Olivia didn't seem like she wanted to do that so she is still letting her elf know so he can relay the message.  Her list to the elf has remained pretty much the same, but it seems there are 3 items she really wants as they are the items she always tells Piggy...a pink teapot, an Ariel and a more recent item she keeps telling Piggy is Mr. Bibbles.  Mr. Bibbles is the real bunny that they have at daycare that Olivia loves to play with.  I'm not so sure Santa will be able to get Olivia everything she asks for this year!