Santa, define good?

The picture is better than last years. The experience; however, was not . We arrived at The Santa House about a quarter to five. At five Santa had to go feed the reindeer. Since we were still in line we decided to get something to eat and come back at six. A little Chinese buffet later we arrived back at, again a quarter till. The line was already a good size and all Gryffin wanted to do was walk around. Ok, no big deal except that he refuses to hold hands. I don't know where the kid got it but he wants to do everything himself. So we took turns following him around until it was quite evident that he was stumbling more than walking. We then took turns holding him and getting our shoulders snotted on because he was screaming 'UUUuuuup'- to him any change in altitude is up. Finally we were next in line! He calmed down so we let him climb up and down the two stairs that led to Santa's lair. The overgrown, fresh from the trailer park elf came to the door and welcomed us in. Gryffin saw Santa, then he saw Elmo . I hate to admit it, but my son likes Elmo. Don't tell anyone because I will die of embarrassment. Anyway, I directed him toward Santa who was holding out a candy cane. The kid doesnt' recognize candy so he kind of freaked out. He plopped down on the floor and started to cry. Santa got a little dismayed and was really kind trying to coax a smile out of him. I picked Gryffin up and put him on Santa's lap, still crying. Bad Mommy, bad bad Mommy. The elf acted quickly, making Elmo giggle and talk where upon he snapped this picture. I then asked Gryffin if he wanted his ball and the kid let out a loud 'YEAH!'. While Mike and I paid and waited for the pictures to print out, Santa was pretty cool. He asked Gryffin about his ball and played with him a little. Then it was time to go, all hell broke loose again. This time because he didn't want to go. Argh! I have to admit, Santa was impressive this year. His beard was real, he didn't have a body odor problem and at least he was smart enough to drink the Peppermint Schnapps so no one would notice. Anyway, to make a long story longer, we got back in the car, Gryffin still screaming so I unwrapped a little of the candy cane and let him taste it. He wasn't much on the taste but there was no way we were going to be able to pry that thing out of his chubby little fingers. Its over for another year, when I will remember to swig on that Peppermint Schnapps before going.
Merry Christmas!