We’re so close! For 5 years we’ve tried to get a single picture with all three boys in Santa’s lap. In 2006 we got really close but at the last minute, despite promising him cotton candy, Gage decided he just couldn’t do it.  But he agreed he would stand in the general vicinity of the “big red man.” He made is very clear that if “that guy tried to touch him he would scream bloody murder.”

Then there was 2007. The cotton candy trick actually worked on Gage this year but there was no way in heck that Brewer was even going to consider it. This was his way of tell us to shove the cotton candy up our….

In 2008 I put my negotiations gifts into action and spend a good 10 minutes explaining and motivating Brewer for the big moment with Santa. He was talking a big game. He promised me this year he would do it, but at the last minute he had a total emotional meltdown and tried to take off so my wife heroically dove into the picture and held him with all of her strength so we  could get the shot.  I will admit that I don’t think I could have sat in the 2008 Santa’s lap either. He was a  bit scary. Just look at those eyes.

And then there was last weekend. With a little coaxing from a very convincing Santa, Brewer actually agreed to stand next to Santa, but said he would bite his index finger right off of his hand if he in anyway even attempted to pick him up and put him in his lap. Well we didn’t get all 3 boys up in his lap but at least Santa ended the day with all 10 fingers.

Do you ever remember being afraid of Santa?