3 Perspectives on Santa...

I am constantly amazed how different my three kids are! It amazes me that they have the same 2 parents, which means the same gene pool and yet they are as different as apples and oranges and bananas (you can guess which one is the banana!). Take our recent adventure of going to see Santa. First, we went in a blizzard...but it IS Montana so I just went for it...it was Santa after all! Then check out these three DIFFERENT reactions to the big man in red...

Clayton, the 4 year-old...as excited as excited can be. He understands what is happening and can barely stay in his own skin (did I mention that HE picked out the tree this year)...super fun! Standing in line was almost too much...when our turn came, he about took out Santa jumping onto his lap! Don't you just ADORE this picture of him telling Santa what he wants for Christmas...

Gwen, the 2 year-old...excited, but doesn't exactly understand why. I have put ALOT of energy into explaining Santa to Gwen...we talked about him constantly, ever since he was at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. My goal was the picture...no screaming kids this year! Well, she was SO excited. She couldn't wait to tell Santa she wanted a baby stroller for Christmas...a 'pint' one! We did so well, until she heard him say 'Ho, ho, ho'...I could have cried at the look of concern on her face! So as Clayton is running to see Santa, Gwen is clinging to me as if her life depends on it! Calming her down...she stood in front of Santa...at least she is not crying...

Santa asks Gwen what she wants for Christmas and poor Gwen was speakless. Thankfully, mom came to the rescue and whispered in her ear...baby stroller...and she practically shouted it out! But it seemed to shake her out of her terrified stupor and we managed to convince her to give Santa a hug...

So, what was up with the other one?

Case, the 6 year-old, excited, but understands the nice and naughty thing and has been on the naughty side of life lately...understandably apprehensive of Santa. Case is a great kid, but once the snow hits the ground and we are inside a bit more, he easily gets himself into trouble...ALOT! So we are trying to work with him to avoid some of his errors. He really wanted to see Santa, but was nervous about the naughty/nice question. He didn't want to go without me and didn't really make a big deal about telling Santa what he wanted. In November, he wanted a drum set (yeah, I know...he is SIX!) and when it got to telling Santa what he wanted...it is now a pair of snow boots! And since Santa was paying attention to the excited 4 year-old and the nervous 2 year-old...he didn't seem to mention the naughty/nice thing...enter little sister Gwen. Santa asks little innocent Gwen 'Have you been a good girl?' She responds 'YES, but not Case" and points to him! Poor kid! I thought he would melt! Interestingly enough, someone has been acting much better in the few days since...

So there you have it...3 completely different perspectives of Santa...all on one day...all in one family! We certainly don't lack adventure!

Have a wonderful day!
Ciao a tutti!