The year I was ready to make the magic happen. After thoroughly researching our options, including Santa's Cabin (fully booked), Somerset's Santa and Twelve Oaks' Santa (too pricey), I settled on Milford restaurant Bakers' campy-fabulous "Brunch with Santa."
We were rearin' and ready to go at 9:30 a.m. and on the drive to the joint Will channeled his Scripps prep-time parent persona and drilled Maizey on Santa's name and M.O.
Will: "Maizey. Say 'Santa.'"
Maizey: "Tanta."
Will: "Santa."
Will (again): "Maizey. What does Santa say?"
Maizey: "Oh oh oh."
Will: "Close enough."
And, repeat.
We rolled up and my toddler toddled into the eatery, smile in place. I whispered to the hostess, "When does Santa arrive."
As she led us to our booth, she gestured toward to seating area, "Santa is here."
Ole Saint Nick was holding court with a kid clearly not buffet stranger.
Maizey spotted him, whispered "Tanta?" and when the man in the red suit (and a REALLY bad beard) turned his sites on her, promptly attached herself to my calf and began whimpering.
"Noooo. Nooooooooo. Buh-bye Tanta. Buh-bye."
Luckily, the man of the hour got the hint and made himself scarce. Clearly, this isn't his first rodeo.
We commenced with brunch... Maizey stacked half-and-half...
And crammed carby breakfast lovies into her maw.
A short 35 minutes later, little lady was all done and Will and I strategized...
Will: "We have to pass him to get out."
Me: "Yeah. I know. I want a picture."
Will: "She's going to scream."
Me: "Yeah. I know. I want a picture."
Will: "She really doesn't like him."
Me: "Yeah. I know. I want a picture."
Off we went.
She spots him sitting in his throne by the entry...
Pregnant pause...
She protests...
Mom ignores...
And, scene.
(But really. I don't blame Girlfriend. I was a little skeezed out sitting on this guys lap - hence the lazy eye. It's like Lady Godiva aged and this dude glued her locks to his face.)
Anywho...once outside, she was happy as a reindeer with a Popsicle
(or a kid with a candy cane)...
(or a kid with a candy cane)...
Thank my lucky stars I didn't splurge on Santa's Cabin.
And, in this time of tragedy,
thank goodness I have these two to call home.
xoxo
