The Big Man

We finally went to see Santa! With much anticipation and excitement Ryan and Katie waited in line thinking of what to say, how to say it, and how not to act greedy about it. Ryan went first, and he ran over to embrace Santa and sat with him for a little while quietly chatting.

In previous Christmases they've just asked Santa to surprise them with a gift he knows they will like. Maybe he's been failing at that, because this year they have specific requests.

Ryan wants a guitar and apparently Santa told him that he had a few guitars to give out. Hmmm, I hope Ryan is one of the lucky ones who gets one! Katie was next in line, and when she sat with Santa she faced away from him talking and I don't even think he could hear her. But she also has a short list this year, just 2 things: a new Webkinz pet and a piano... you know, whatever he can squeeze down the chimney!

Then it was Claire's turn, and things took an ugly turn. If she was flipping out yesterday at the doctor putting a measuring tape around her head (and believe me that was quite an ordeal), then asking her to sit on this huge red furry monster was just asking too much! She didn't even want to look at him! I could barely stop her from climbing over my shoulder to get further away from him! And speaking of the big man, this is our little elf who reports back to Santa at the North Pole each night... his name is Candy Cane and the kids seek him out each morning to find where he has hidden for the day. They're constantly reminding each other to behave, threatening to tattle to the elf... every now and then I'll overhear one of them whispering to him. Very handy to have an elf, every family should have one. I think he might just have to pop in for a visit in July just to put everyone on guard and sharpen some manners around here!