Santa visit

Today was the day we'd been preparing the girls for:  the day to visit Santa Claus.  We told them that Santa couldn't bring them what they wanted for Christmas if they didn't ask him.  It seemed to be understood by both, so off we went to the mall.  There was a short line, so the girls could watch other kids in front of them talk to Santa.  No one had any issues - in fact, all the babies and kids ahead of us did remarkably well, smiling, talking, and even hugging Santa.  We get to the front of the line and Mrs. Claus is there to greet the girls.  L immediately screams and hides behind my legs.  Literally, she was squatting behind me, her head clunking against my knees, trying desperately to disappear from her.  I almost laughed.  E thought she was interesting and even managed to say hi to her.  Then, our turn.  Santa was sitting in his chair and suggested we put one girl on each knee.  Since L was still trying to get away from this whole visit, I picked up E and managed to put her on Santa's left knee (mind you, I had a diaper bag, Old Navy return, and jackets in both my arms - thank you husband).  Then, I told L to go ahead and sit on Santa's lap so she could tell him what she wanted for Christmas.  No.  No way.  She won't do it.  Exasperated, I picked her up and set her on Santa's knee.  To her credit, she didn't try to get away.  She sat on Santa's lap shaking in fear during the entire visit.  Santa tried asking her what she wanted for Christmas, but I think she was just too terrified to utter one single word.  E, on the other hand, was very interested in what was going on, but probably still too little to really understand what was expected of her at that moment.  We got a few pictures, and then we were on our way.  Santa was so kind - he told L that she could always call him and tell him later what she wanted for Christmas.  They both got coloring books, we bought our [expensive] picture, and were on our way.  I can only hope it goes better next year - at least the picture is the best one we've gotten so far!