Lakeshore Mall

Daddy had a doctor's visit right smack dab in the middle of the day, but when he got back, we decided it was high time to go visit Santa. Where does Santa hang out, you ask? At Lakeshore Mall, of course. Why there? I don't really know. I think it is a huge secret, otherwise a billion people would be in Hall County waiting on line. As it is, today we were able to march right up to him without worrying about elf security or trampling reindeer. We did, however, have to contend with dinner break: Santa wasn't there when we arrived. Apparently, he was off eating cookies and drinking milk. Not sure exactly what else Santa eats. I seriously hope it isn't venison.

ANYWAY, what to do while waiting for Santa...

Mommy and Madison rode the carousel while we were there - this is still the best value in town. Can you believe you can get a lengthy ride on this thing for a dollar? That's a dollar for both Madison and Mommy. As you can see, Madison is all dressed up for Santa - she wants to make a good impression! She had a little help from Mommy, who dressed her up so beautifully that we had many compliments throughout the evening.

We actually did a little shopping at the mall - but soon it was time for our visit with the big man!

There she is, all decked out with a very nice Santa. I regret not being able to get photos of them when they first met this time around: Madison jumped right up there and was giggling and hugging him. It was very sweet! When it came time for the official portraits, she sort of poses with a pleasant smile, but it's hard to match the energy and enthusiasm when they first meet. Still, I snapped this one with my camera that I brought along. The "official" portrait came out great too - we've already got it framed and put up on the wall!

Anyway, Madison was quite thrilled with the visit, and let Santa know a few of the things she wanted for Christmas. She's been a good girl this year: I think she's in for a wonderful Christmas!

Now, as mentioned earlier, Mommy went shopping a bit at the mall. Daddy had his camera along because of the Santa pictures, so while Mommy was checking out some new sweaters, we had fun with this spot inside a store that had two large mirrors at 90 degree angles from each other. The end result was that you could see three reflections of yourself. Madison instantly made three friends!

It was a funny moment, and made for some neat pictures. Here I was in a clothing store, snapping about twenty photos of Madison fooling around with the mirrors. But I couldn't resist: she was having such a good time, and the photos came out pretty cool!

We later went shopping elsewhere in other stores, but soon retreated home: tomorrow is a school day and we all have to get up rather early. Still, Mommy and Daddy will pop in another Christmas movie tonight before it's all said and done. This morning, we were filling out a bunch of Christmas cards. I'm waiting to post those pictures until after pretty much everyone has received them in the mail - don't want to give it away yet.

Incidentally, Daddy is doing fine. He and Madison have had some congestion that we're trying to get cleared out once and for all. It hasn't been enough to take either of us down completely for a day, but that sort of thing is somewhat annoying. Yet, it's just one of those things you expect this time of year. Still, we're grateful that it isn't taking place on a holiday or vacation. There's always something to be grateful for!

Speaking of which, here's one big thing Mommy and Daddy are thankful for: