I was curious to see how Ava's visit (specifically) with Santa would go... When we went to the kids' day care for their holiday party a week earlier, Liam's teacher (Miss Kelly) dressed up like Santa. Let's just say that Kelly is a shorter, African-American woman in her late 20's, with contemporarily-framed glasses and has quite the feminine "Ho, Ho, Ho". So when I mentioned to Ava that it was really nice that Santa (at day care) gave her a Barbie for Christmas, she said, "Mom, you're silly... that was one of my teachers pretending to be Santa..." Nothing gets by this girl!
After our visit with "Day Care" Santa, I wanted to be sure to get pictures taken with Santa. The Village offers FREE pictures with Santa. After a lunch out with Grandma and Grandpa Carey, we went to The Village on Christmas Eve's Eve.
At the Village, there is an enclosed gazebo that was actually warm and quite peaceful. So, it wasn't a madhouse and some terrifying experience for a kid. I think it helped Ava buy into his "Santa-ness"; she bought it hook, line and sinker! It was so sweet to see. And truthfully, I was kind of hoping Liam would have the "screaming visit with Santa" picture this year, as it seems a rite of passage for every little one. Instead, always taking his lead from Ava, he was cool, calm and collected when visiting with the big guy.
This Santa was the best! When we walked in, he asked Ava's name and held out his hand for her to come to him. He said "Hi Ava!" and Ava walked up to sit in his lap. When we've asked what Ava wished for from Santa this year, she has repeatedly said "I will be happy with whatever Santa brings me." (What parent doesn't like THAT answer? - And this was not a canned response... I kept fishing and that is ALL she would tell me). So I was a little surprised when Santa asked Ava what she wanted, and she shyly responded "A dolly". :-) Fortunately Grandpa Dean and Grandma Dolly (fittingly!) came through with a dolly for Ava for Christmas. Her wish list was complete.
Ava was beaming as she sat on his lap, soaking it all in. Liam then joined her and seemed to do really well. No threat of tears from Liam this year. :-) Santa's helper gave each of the kids a coloring book, a reindeer antler headpiece and a candy cane. The candy cane was a big hit, and it was a pretty quiet ride home because of them. :-)
Ready to visit Santa
Santa and Ava
Liam, Santa and Ava
Liam and Santa
Helping drive Santa's sleigh!
Giving Santa's reindeer a smooch.
Enjoying a candy cane, compliments of Santa!
Liam broke open the candy cane wrapper, so we didn't hear too much from him on the way home from visiting Santa... :)
Peace, love and candy cane happiness,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
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