I swear I've been good

I love this time of year because of all the traditions and family events. This past Friday we met up with Don, Becky & Lyla and went to Journey to Bethlehem. It was so much better this year... 1. Gavin was old enough to enjoy it more and 2. We went right after work and were one of the first groups to get through so it didn't take 3 1/2 hours like last year. He didn't really know what was going on with us walking through the woods to the different stations but he really enjoyed all the animals we got to see along the way and the snacks and warm cider they provided. We took several pictures but I haven't been able to download them yet so I'll upload some tomorrow to post. Yesterday we had some shopping to finish up so we headed to the mall to visit Santa while we were out. Gavin is old enough, just like last year, to know that Santa is a stranger and he doesn't like him but not old enough to know that he's the only stranger's lap he can sit. Poor guy was in the shape of a C reaching for me with tears and cries. We attempted a couple times to get him to relax enough to take his picture but Santa thought it would be best if we just did a family picture so this is what we got. Mind you, we were not prepared to have our picture taken but overall I think it turned out good. The funny thing is that Gavin has pretty much the same expression as he did last year... ha. On a sad note, I have been told that the Santa from last year passed away. I think this Santa filled in nicely and look at that smirk on his face!!!