Despite repeatedly talking about their love of Santa neither Samuel nor Oliver will come closer than 10 feet to Santa. We have had 3 Santa encounters this season--
Santa One: As previously posted we were lucky to meet Santa during Thanksgiving dinner. Oliver talked about him constantly but when the big guy showed up Oliver declared him too scary. Samuel actually got close enough to take a photo (he must have been high on all the sugar from too much dessert).
Santa Two: Santa made a stop at Bernice and Joe's last week. This happens every year with the exact same process. Each child's name is called, they go up to the chair next to Santa, chat for a bit, and then get a book. Seems pretty painless. There is a chair so one can avoid the whole sitting on his actual lap. Well, our kids would only go up together (that's right--tag team Santa) and they insisted on Kevin joining them (and bring your dad for backup).
Santa Three: We made a big outing of going to Tilden Merry-Go-Round which is decorated with tons of Christmas lights and Santa makes an appearance each night. We waited in line (luckily only 5 minutes) and then the only one that would go remotely close to Santa was Kevin. Oliver actually wiggled out of my arms and started running. Samuel turned his head as if to avoid all eye contact. Kevin and Santa chatted it up a bit and then we left.
The funny thing about our three Santa experiences was they were each so different. First Santa was a traditional, old white guy. Second was a woman (who the kids were convinced was a boy). The last was a black Santa.
Oliver before seeing Santa
Samuel directly after seeing Santa
Oliver on the Merry-Go-Round (still recovering from the Santa sighting)
Samuel beginning to recover
Both finally forgetting about that crazy, dressed up guy they like to talk about but don't like to talk to
