Our Little Elf

Our little elf visited with Santa for the very first time this Christmas season. Annalee (and her Mommy and Daddy) was so kind enough to invite us over to greet Santa at their neighborhood clubhouse.

It was great! No long, mall lines, cookies, cake balls and cocoa. And, arts and crafts for the little ones after the Santa greeting.

Before we left for Annalee's house, Annabelle insisted on taking her "pimp" hat (as we like to call it), princess halo and "hooker" belt. The "hooker" belt came to live with us compliments of Grandmama and Granddaddy. I'm not sure where they acquired it, but she loves that thing, and she can even fasten it herself. She wanted to bring these things "to show Annalee."

Well, within minutes after we arrived, she wanted the belt, and she was quick to fasten it, all by herself. Hubby said she looked like a "little elf" with the silver belt fastened around her green Christmas dress. He was right!

When it was time to leave to visit Santa, Annabelle did not want to take it off. Instead, "I want to show Santa." Okay! And, in all honesty, I didn't really care if she wore that belt to show Santa. It just adds a little more spice to the memory!

Unfortunately, she did decide to remove the belt (on her own) while we were waiting in line to visit Santa. I am not sure what made her change her mind, but I sort of wish she had kept that ugly hooker belt on for at least one picture. Again, it is all about the memories!

The visit with Santa 2009 went a lot like this:

Here the girls are waiting in line for Santa.

Annalee sat with Santa first. She was quick to climb into his lap, she talked with him awhile, and she even gave Santa a hug before leaving. Doesn't Annalee look beautiful with Santa? Annalee's Mommy said she picked that beautiful dress out all by herself! And, she let her Mommy curl her hair. I love it!

Annabelle, on the other hand, was just enough interested in Santa to take his offering (candy).

But, she was not too thrilled about sitting in Santa's lap! Mommy and Beebo had to take our seat first. Poor Santa! Then, I was able to place Annabelle on Santa's other knee. Notice that she's holding tightly onto my hand. I had no idea of her facial expression until I looked through these pictures. This picture cracks me up! And, does she not look like my little twin in this picture? I normally don't see the resemblance, but I see it in this picture. She is mine after all!

And, then, she finally gave in to Mommy's request for her to smile pretty for Daddy. At this point, I am no longer sitting in Santa's lap. I am kneeling on the floor next to Santa. Isn't that a gorgeous Annabelle smile?

And, after cookies, cake balls and cocoa, it was time for arts and crafts! I'm not sure when this started, but I noticed while Annabelle was working on her crafts this afternoon that she sticks her tongue out, just slightly. I think it helps her concentrate. I was able to capture one picture of this. Too cute!

And, while waiting on Annalee to pick out her prizes using tickets she had won for various games during the arts and crafts session, Annabelle decided to take it upon herself to just sit down and relax in the middle of the room.

Here are the girls with their Christmas tree cookies from Santa. Annabelle devoured hers, all the way down to the stick, in no time!

On the way home, Annabelle remembered that she had forgotten to bring her picture that she had painted for Santa Claus a few weeks ago while Daddy decorated the house with lights. She had painted pictures of the things she wanted for Christmas including an airplane, car, dinosaur and monster. Don't ask! I don't have a clue where she thought up those things. Nor is she going to get them! Her list changes daily. This year, when Santa asked, she told Santa she wanted "baby dolls." Really? Seriously? Again? He asked if she had any particular baby doll in mind. She didn't because they are all pretty much the same to her.

And, a big thanks goes out to Annalee, her Mommy and Daddy and brothers for a fun filled afternoon and evening. As always, thank you for opening up your hearts and home!