OTIS MEETS SANTA 2019

These photos of Otis and Santa just warm my heart. I have looked forward to the holidays so much this year because Otis such a little person now really interacting with the whole world around him. There is nothing like watching him discovering new experiences and creating memories with him no matter how small, they are all so magical to experience with him. After our first trip to see Santa with Laurel when Otis was tiny, we signed up again to have an intimate date with Santa! Otis is SO fascinated with his Santa book at home that I was so excited to see his reaction to him in person. We went to South Coast Plaza for our first Santa experience here and it was your classic crying Santa meet and greet. He was NOT into sitting on Santa’s lap and honestly, I can’t blame him. Stranger danger alert. But since Laurel, of Poppy Lea Photography creates a super intimate space and experience with Santa, I was excited to see how Santa round 2 went.

What I loved about our day was we got there super early so Otis could play a little and warm him up to the space before hopping right into meeting Santa. Basically he spent the whole time playing with these toys and he was feeling right at home. When we walked in, Santa tried to get Otis’ attention with a candy cane and he legit made the funniest snarl face I have ever seen. Sorry Santa. Screw you and your candy cane too!! That is what I envision him saying in his head. HA! Of course he cried when we put him in Santa lap but once we hold him he is totally fine. We took a few photos in the fake snow and he loved the little snowballs. When we went back in to say goodbye to Santa, Blake and I were giving Santa highfives and Otis was interested. He ended up holding Santas hand and giving him multiple high fives. OH MY GOODNESS MY HEART CAN’T HANDLE IT!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so lucky to be able to experience these things with him. So lucky. 

I can not say enough good things about Laurel’s Santa sessions. She is not only a fellow mama to her beautiful crew of little ones, but is just the kindest person and makes taking photos so fun and easy. If you want a beautifully curated meeting with Santa check out her recent blogpost about them. She sets up some kids crafts, a hot cocoa bar and other snacks too. She releases the sessions in the Summer and they always sell out. So get one her mailing list if you want a reminder!

Kim outfit // sweater: old BP (similar) / jeans: frame / boots: marc fisher
Otis outfit // sweater: zara kids / jeans: h&m kids / booties: freshly picked
Blake outfit // sweater: zara

photos by Poppy Lea Photography