Santa's workshop

Here are the elves in front of Target, or the "workshop" to those in the know. No snaps inside the workshop allowed.

This is the first year that both children do not believe, sigh. I was clutching to the hope that I could inch out another year of anticipation with Michael. But given that he is the second child and is 8 years old this seems like a bigger dream than the Santa deal entirely. Now what? We decided that they would be Santa to each other. They were given a $100 dollar limit and told to prepare lists for their brother. Can I tell you how many shreds of paper I have found around the house over the past weeks? Tons. Anyway, we headed out today for our official shopping excursion with lists and enthusiasm in tow. They had a great time sneaking about and Matthew has informed me that he loves this idea and thinks this is probably his best Christmas ever. It was so sweet to see them hugging and loving on each other in the store after we checked out. How can it be that of all the children in the store mine are the only ones behaving, speaking nicely to each other and full of holiday cheer. Seems to me that this is what Christmas is all about.