Holiday Travels - Santa

Xander and Josie were lucky enough to meet Santa twice in Ohio. There was one time in California that they nearly met him, but he was out doors on a chilly evening and we decided to wait. By the time we returned to the car and were buckled in, it dawned on Xander that he didn't get to talk to Santa. This turned into a long, teary saga of "But I really want to talk to Santa!" all the way home. This from Xander who wouldn't go near the big guy last year.

We planned on taking the kids on a weekday morning while at the mall in Ohio. There was still a line, but it wasn't long. That didn't stop Josie from getting squirrely, so I distracted her with pretzel goldfish. When it was our turn, Xander ran right up and sat down. Josie threw a fit. They snapped a picture. Look closely if you'd like to see what partially chewed up pretzels look like.


After the picture, I picked up Josie and let Xander chat with Santa.
Santa: What would you like for Christmas?
Xander: Presents!
Santa: Oh? What kind of presents?
Xander: ...New presents!
Hugs: Would you like a ball?
Xander: Yeah!
Santa: What kind of ball would you like?
Xander: A new Ball!

We spent Christmas Eve with Chris's uncle and his family. Santa Claus made a surprise appearance there. Xander has been working on his vertical this year and showed it to Santa.


This time while talking to Santa, Xander said he wanted a Hide and Seek Jo Jo. Which is what his cousin, who went right before him, also asked for.


Once again, Josie would not go near Santa without the comforting presence of Mom.


Santa left presents for the kids at our house in Ohio which included blocks and books. Xander and Josie both had a blast building (and knocking over) the blocks. Xander's ability with symmetry surprised me, then he'd surprise me with a completely lopsided building, then he'd be completely creative. This was the island he built for me.

Upon returning to California, the kids found that Santa had left a baseball mitt for Xander and a baby stroller for Josie. The kids also received Chutes and Ladders, Candyland and Hi-Ho-Cherry-O. Josie's a little too young to play, but Xander cannot get enough of them. I'm really happy they've enjoyed the gifts this year.