Scary Santa

We had a very eventful weekend this week. On Saturday, we headed to the mall bright and early to get Ashlyn's picture taken with Santa. Of course there was a long line. We waited in line for 45 minutes. I was pretty weary of how Ashlyn would react to Santa. I know she is at the age were kids are very afraid of him. We finally got to the front of the line. The woman working there said it would be best to hand her to Santa with her back to him. I handed her over and she did not even notice. She did not smile, but they were able to take two quick pictures. I went over to view the pictures, and the photographer informed me that he ran out of film. The pictures did not take. He had to change the camera or something. Well, while we were waiting, Ashlyn had time to get a good look at Santa. She was not impressed or amused. She started crying. When it was time to take the picture, I tried handing her over and she was screaming and hanging on to me for dear life. They suggested that I get in the picture with her. I was so annoyed with the photographer, that I just agreed. Well, the pictures turned out horrible. We had waited in line so long that I just bought them. I paid $22 for a picture that I do not want anyone to see. It is coincidentally the worse picture of me that I have ever seen. I will tuck it into her baby book and not look at it again. I am so upset that I spent $22 a an hour of my time to get a picture like that. We bought a Santa suit on clearance last year. I am going to talk my brother or Dad into dressing up like Santa. I am going to see if I can get a better picture of Ashlyn with Santa. It could not be any worse than the one we got!

Later that day, we went out to dinner with my family. Today was my Mom's birthday, and we decided to go out Saturday night for dinner. I wanted to go to the Parade of Lights downtown. Well, dinner took longer than expected. By the time we got done and headed downtown, there was thousands of people. We could not find a parking space, there were cars everywhere, and it was just total chaos. We decided to forgo the parade and head to the zoo. The zoo was pretty with all the lights. We rode the new ski lift to the top. The city lights were beautiful! We get in free because I have a membership. So, we did not stay long and decided we would come back again another night. What a day!

Ashlyn is talking like crazy! We still can't understand a majority of what she says, but she is talking constantly. She is now saying "nice", "dog", "banana", "kitty" and a bunch of other jibberish. It is pretty cute!

We spend today over at my brother's house watching football and celebrating my Mom's birthday. It was a great day spent with family. As usual, Ashlyn entertained us all. Ashlyn wanted me to say "Happy Birthday Gram" on her blog!


In front of some of the lights at the zoo.

You can't see the view very well, but it is incredible!

Playing at the park behind her Uncle's house.

Smiling for the camera.

It started to get cold.

She likes to be a big girl and sit in big girl chairs. She REALLY needs another haircut. I am thinking sometime this week.

Ashlyn cuddling with her Uncle. She is very odd and sucks on her arm when she is tired. She was tired in this picture, so that is why she has her arm in her mouth.