In Search of Santa

Today marks the third trip to "find" Santa Claus. I have finally broken down and decided that it needs to be done--ONCE. We will not do it again. Ok, well maybe if we have another child or when Kendrick can remember it. I decided that I don't want to be "that" Mom later in life, where my kids look back and say, "Yeah, my Mom never let me sit on Santa's lap." For the past couple of years we have been invited to a party where Santa was in atendance. But, no parties this year. Guess it is the economy.

On Sunday, since we were dressed up, we took the kids after church to the Galleria. We got half way down the mall and saw the line and immediately turned around. Cavett had no idea what we were doing or where we were. He just knew it was a mall and was upset that he couldn't play in the playground. Too bad the Galleria doesn't even have one!

On Monday night we figured we'd go after baths, thinking that most kids would be at home getting ready for bed. Well, boy were we wrong. That is where kids should be, but not when Santa is around! When we arrived at 7:15 there was a line and the people in front of us said that Santa wasn't to arrive back until 8:00. He was on break. That just wouldn't do for us either. We told Cavett that Santa was feeding his reindeer and that we would try again tomorrow.

We talked to an attendant before we left and he gave us the scoop. "Arrive at 8:00 AM. Nobody realizes we are opened then. " So, that is what we did. Woke up early, dressed and headed to the mall in the rain. We weren't the only ones there. There were two in front of us and a couple behind. It was perfect timing. Cavett enjoyed his time on the big man's lap. Kendrick, on the other hand did not. He didn't mind me sitting with him and was very interested in Santa, but he didn't want me to leave him. We did get a good picture, except that I am in it.

The Letter to Santa

We have come to some sort of knowledge about Santa Claus and that he brings toys at Christmas. For a while now, every time Cavett sees a bike, he asks for one. I keep telling him that maybe he'd get one for Christmas or for his birthday a month later.

Today we decided that a letter may be in order. We retrieved our Christmas stamps and set out to write a letter to Santa. Cavett wrote the opening and signed his name. He also dictated to me with a bit of some prompting (What were some of the helpful things you have been doing this year? How have you been kind?) So, the letter goes....

Dear Santa,

I've been very good this year. I've played nice with my brother. I've done my chores-made my bed, picked up my toys, fed the dogs and obeyed mommy and daddy.

Can I have a bicycle, please? (Yes, he really said please.) I'd like to ride with my family and my neighbor Jeffrey.

I would also like the game of checkers. Maybe some real, crashing cymbals, too.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Cavett

Seriously, "real, crashing cymbals?" He'll have to talk to Uncle Jonny about that.