And we laughed when we saw him, in spite of ourselves!
Tonight we met up with some great friends and enjoyed a bit of Santa's warm company.
Our buddies from preschool were all in attendance, as well as many other kiddos who were all experiencing varying degrees of excitement for the Big Man himself.
I honestly had no idea which direction our two kiddos would propel themselves. Grayson has been asking about Santa (he even asked to include Santa in our prayer before naps today), yet he is such a shy and reserved child, I knew it would probably take a few minutes for him to warm up. My guess was he would need 10 minutes to absorb the environment and then possibly RUN to Santa, as evidenced with the Easter bunny.
Delaney was a different ball game. She's my "go-getter". Always eager to try new things with no qualms about repercussions. She ran full force into the ocean (holding Daddy's hand) but never looked back or questioned the water/waves/creatures she encountered. I thought for sure we would have no issues with her, especially since she isn't even 2 yet.
Well, here's how things started. As I predicted, Grayson snuggled in with Daddy next to his BFF, Julia, on the couch and was extremely hesitant at first, requiring his obligatory 10 minute warm up. Delaney, as I imagined, went running in and gave Dear Old Santa multiple high-fives. She was the first of ALL the kids, actually, to even get within 8 feet of him.
And now here's where things changed...fast forward 10 minutes and we find Grayson in Santa's lap, staring into his eyes, absorbing every word and hugging Santa. Delaney, however, decided to ration those easily doled out 5's and adopted the 8 foot distance. Unfortunately, mean ol' Momma forced Laneybug onto Santa's lap and we endured a few tears and consoling hugs. After that, all we got out of her were "No, thank you!" and 1 more high five (after being bribed to receive a candy cane).
All in all, it was a success. Both kids enjoyed Santa's company, had fun with their friends and took in a big helping of Christmas merriment.
Pictures are below. Enjoy!
Here she goes...first one out of the gate to greet Mr Elf
Daddy gives her the reassurance she needs
Julia photobombs. Such a cutie!
High five!
Daddy takes up comfort and reassurance duty with Grayson
Momma forces Laney to enjoy a bit of Santa time
It wasn't well received
Hugs and kisses make it all better
But maybe Daddy-photographer won't make me sit on his lap...
No high fives? Santa suggests a fist bump. Success!
He WAS smiling, I managed to capture his serious pose.
Peas and carrots, these two. Peas and carrots
Notice they are sharing a snack plate. They wouldn't have it any other way
Enjoying "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from Santa
Last hugs before departure
Ok, I'll give him ONE more high five...that's IT!
Candy cane!
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