Um. Not enough to spend $19.95 on a slightly blurry, laser printed photograph of the kids on his lap. We love you, Santa! But we’d rather spend that twenty bucks on dinner for tonight. Or possibly, an actual gift for one of our thirty-seven children. But hey, mama was quick with the camera! Even though you’re not supposed to take your own pictures unless you purchase one of their portrait packages, I whipped it out and snapped a couple before we got thrown out of there by the bouncer elf. Here are my cuties enjoying the magic and wonder of Santa.

Pablo REALLY enjoyed Santa. He went right up to him in that way he does with people he instinctively realizes are awesome – smiling, leaning in close, waiting for a hug. All of the kids enjoyed visiting with Santa, actually – it was great! First year nobody’s been afraid. Everyone told him their wishes, we got a candy cane, and headed off on our merry way. I noticed they weren’t passing out crayons and coloring books this year; I guess it’s a tight year for Santa as well. All the more reason for me NOT to hand them $20 for a picture I won’t care about in two weeks.

And now, I can invoke the whole, “Santa’s watching, better stop bickering…” for the next two weeks.