The Best Christmas Picture Ever

It was our annual Pettingill Gingerbread House making night with the traditional visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. All the kids were having an especially great time decorating the trains and houses Grandma Joyce put together for us.

Brendan chose the little house.  KC, off to the far left busted for sucking down the frosting.

 Addison, also busted.  But, in her defence, there was a lot more candy eaten than frosting.  As noted by the emptiness of her train.

 Seeing Addison's picture reminded me of this beauty from 2007 when Brendan was totally loving the frosting.

 Addison's and Brendan's creations.  I just love how they just do whatever.  No rhyme or reason.  (I did help Addison put the licorice around the top of the train. She isn't that coordinated yet.)

 Then it was time.  The anticipation of the Claus' arrival nearly kills the kids over with a heart attack.
Most of them would run and hide, but then run back again.  So Mom came up with a game that kept them occupied rather than jumping around like monkeys for twenty minutes.   Kudos, Mom. 

After the singing and fun the kids got up on Santa's lap one by one and he had his Naughty and Nice list.  Boy did Brendan ever get busted.  When Santa told him that he needed to get to bed on time and quit waisting time the look on his face was PRICELESS!  On the ride home with Jason he said "Man, I got busted HARD!"  But, don't think that has affected the way he has been acting.  *sigh*

 This picture is proof that I did make a mark on my Addison.  She is definitely getting my hair color. (at least in this lighting...)  And if she'd hold still for two seconds her whole face could have been in the picture.  When it was her turn to sit on Santa's lap she wanted nothing to do with it.  NOT ONE THING.

And here's where the Best Christmas Picture comes in.  She would not uncover her eyes.  To try to get her hands down was like trying to move the Titanic.  The screaming and crying were equally as priceless.

Being ever so accommodating, Santa came down to her level.  She still threw a fit, but after about 3 minutes she finally decided she could look at Grandma taking the picture.  Other than that- there would be NO eye contact with Santa.  Maybe she already knows she's on the naughty list.