A Visit With Santa

So the boys and I went to the mall yesterday to visit Santa Claus and take the morning to be part of the Christmas hustle and bustle. We got an early start so the line would be bearable. Right when we got there Nate ran up to the little fence that encloses Santa and started calling his name and waving with a big grin and eyebrows raised like they are long lost friends. After waiting in the line it was finally the boy's turn to tell Santa their wishes. This Santa was a very cute Santa, he had a nice little visit with the boys asking them specific questions. He took the time to get out of his chair and walk over to Mitch and I and talk to Mitchell and hand him a coloring book. Then he had remembered Carter and Nathan's names and gave them a big hug.

Well, after the Santa experience was over, I couldn't resist walking into Willam Sanoma (risky with the little ones). We have wanted to get one of those fancy ice cream scoopers with the anti-freeze for a while. After several don't touch just look comments, we made it to the check out line with our scooper. While waiting in line, Nathan accidentally knocked over a display holding two big jars of scented oil. There was a loud crash, glass breaking and oil splattering all over a lady's nice dress pants. Nathan turned white and was apologizing to me as I was to the employee's. I purchased my item and couldn't get out of there fast enough. We were all quite embarrassed. As I was walking away, I knew I needed to go back and apologize specifically to the lady with the ruined pants. So we turned around and I had Carter and Nathan wait on a bench outside of the store while I went in real quick. I found the lady and told her how sorry I was. She was a bit irritated which is understandable and said that the store had offered to pay for the dry cleaning expenses. I offered my name and number and to replace her pants, but she declined and told me she understands. I started crying and told her that I really am sorry, she said she could tell and that she appreciated the apology and to enjoy Christmas with the children . As I was walking out of the store, an employee followed me and gave me a hug and told me not to let this ruin my day. I am so grateful for understanding, compassionate people and for my little people who keep me humble and on my toes :)

It wasn't until we were in the car on the way home (at least 30 min. later) that Nathan's chin started to quiver. I asked him what the matter was and he said he was sad because of the whole incident. I am always learning new things about my kids, and what I have learned about Nate, is that he doesn't ever want to show emotion in public. He kept that all inside of him until he was in a safe place. I love being a mom.