Santa Photo 2014

Saturday we headed into the big smoke/Sydney for our annual Santa photo at the amazing Queen Victoria Building.  It has become our yearly tradition now to head in early, have breakfast at one of the cafes, wander around the shops, explore a little of the city before heading home.

Yesterday I was not really in the mood to traipse the city as I have a cold and it is making me grumpy however I am so glad we went.  Not only because yesterday was really the only free day we had but because the Christmas spirit made me feel a little better.  I do wish we could have gone in a little later like next weekend as apparently there will be a Lego Christmas tree in Pitt Street Mall.  But that's life and the way the cookie crumbles.

We arrived at the QVB at about 9:10am and went and put our name down.  Even getting there that early there was about a one and a half hour wait which was fine as we had a look at some shops, grabbed some breakie and before we knew it it was our turn.  Sadly I had to wake the baby.  The baby who never sleeps in the pram slept for over an hour!!  Hindsight being so fantastic I should have said that another family could have gone before us so he had a chance to wake up properly.

I do love getting a Santa photo even though it is a little pricey!!  The QVB really is such a special place to visit and the company who do the photos are faultless.  I love how you put your mobile number down and they text you when it is your turn.  We have done other places and it really is hard to beat.  I always get the most expensive pack as it saves me printing out copies!!  Total laziness but one less thing to worry about plus the bonus bookmarks etc it comes with are great for all the older relatives!!

We have been lucky enough to have the same Santa for the 3 years we have been going and he is lovely.  So patient and genuinely jolly.  He had all the answers to all the questions my two big boys threw at him.  Did you know he parks his reindeer in a special garden on the roof of the QVB!!  He also graciously accepted the card the boys had written him and made sure he knew what was on their lists.  All up I think we spent 10 minutes getting the photo and having a chat.

After the photo we made our way to Pitt Street Mall to see the Lego tree which wasn't there!!  We had a peek at the David Jones window display.  Loved it!!  It was so nice to see the kids faces as they saw each window.  I do have some pics to share another day!!

These cute reindeer are the stars of the window!!

We had a little bit of lunch at the cafe inside the dj's store, after we went up to their Christmas Cave (it was nice but totally mental with people everywhere!!).  The cafe was great.  The simple reason being they had an awesome kids menu.  $6.50 got you a sandwich, a little bottle of juice and a gingerbread man for dessert.  I wish more places catered for kids this way.  It is a perfect lunch for little ones.  We ordered two to split between the boys and everyone was happy!!

After lunch we went to a few more places then headed home.  It was a long day but I think we all enjoyed it.  We can't wait to do it all again next year!!

There we have it!!  The best of seven pictures, baby in mid scream so it looks like he is smiling!!  The three year old wearing his scabby hand me down shoes which have holes in them and are quite literally falling apart!!  He is also wearing his oldest daggiest shorts, lucky he is cute!!  Butter wouldn't melt in the oldest one!!  Love it!!

Linking up with Tegan for Sunshine Sunday, Alicia for #openslather and Kirsty for #imustconfess.