The Crying Pictures Are Memories Too

William has really taken a liking to Santa, or "Ho Ho" as he calls him. I think mostly because his Mimi (my mom) made and sent him the neatest video (see here to make your own http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home?gclid=CJnvwpvW8aUCFQHs7QodpHV9oA).  Every time William wanted to watch the video, he would walk up to the computer and say "Ho Ho."  He really loved it. 

I really debated about whether or not to have Santa pictures made this year, because I was 99% sure sweet William would bawl.  But today, at the mall, I asked if he wanted to go see Santa, and he got really excited. He kept saying "Ho Ho" and trying to wiggle out of his stroller. We stood in line, and he was still excited.  He saw Santa and was still very excited.  There was only one kid in line in front of us, and William was so excited that he wanted to run up to Ho Ho.  Since it wasn't his turn yet, I had to hold him back. That made him mad and he started crying.  Uh oh.  I knew it was over.  I knew my chances of getting a happy Santa picture were done. 

I tried anyways.  Because what happens is, 'they' let you take your own pictures only if you promise to buy theirs.  I had already taken my own pictures by the time I realized it wasn't going to be pretty. I was stuck.  I had to buy their pictures.  So, I took William and tried to put him on Santa's lap.  He was screaming harder and harder and holding me tighter and tighter.  I basically had to pry him off me to put him on Santa's lap.  I know I had this look of sheer mom guilt/desperation on my face because Santa said the sweetest thing. He said "The crying pictures are memories too."  So.... I let go and stepped away long enough for them to get ONE picture. This is the one.  (Thankfully, my friend Kayla was with us and she was able to capture some of the happier moments on her camera. I'll add those later.) 

Thanks, Santa.