Santa at Phipps

This year we decided to carry on an annual Bickelhaup Christmas tradition. When were were children we would go to Phipps Plaza each year to see Santa Claus, even after I stopped believing. We liked him because he was so real looking-a big jolly belly, rosy cheeks and real long white hair and beard. We were convinced that he was the REAL thing and all the others were fakes. Every year it was videotaped and we have all of them somewhere at my parents' house. We have some really good memories, like the year Max fell asleep and the year my mom accidentally dropped John off the side of the platform. So this year we took Mary Katherine and purchased the DVD-no more VHS tapes! Well, she loved running down the halls at Phipps, pointing at the Christmas ornaments and "talking" to the other kids, but when it was our turn she wanted nothing to do with Santa. She did her famous back arch and I had to sit on his lap with her. She was interested in him once I held her. After the picture, he quickly read her list and that was it. Next year I hope she'll be excited and show her baby sister how fun it is. I can't wait to see how hilarious the DVD is-and how dumb I look! (note-these pics are blurry, we weren't allowed to use flash w/ our camera)a).