merry days

We had a great Christmas. We celebrated on Christmas Eve with Andy's family, complete with a visit from Santa. Arlo was so friggin adorable, I wish I had been video taping. I mentioned to him before we arrived that Santa was going to be there, but didn't hype it up too much just in case Santa didn't make it. When Santa walked in the room, Arlo bolted straight for him yelling "Hi Santa", jumped up on his lap and gave him the biggest most genuine hug. It was way too precious, way too lovely. We don't talk too much about Santa at home, here and there really, but I don't drill the boys with all the naught or nice rhetoric, it can't be good for their self-esteem. I'm especially not thrilled that the facade grows more detailed and deceptive as the questions become more pointed. Anyhoo, Arlo is a fan of the man in the red suit. He got his present from Santa (a nerf bazooka- yes there is a story here!) and when he opened it, he said, "Santa, I've been waiting for this! Thank you so much!"
I digress for a minute to tell the story of the Christmas bazooka... at the store, while shopping for a present for Andy's Birthday (21st) we ran across this nerf bazooka thing that Arlo has had his eye on since his friend Flynn's Birthday last summer. Arlo really wanted to buy it, but I told him Christmas was only a few days away and he was getting lots of new toys, so let's wait and see what Santa brings first. Arlo said, "but I was naughty." Me: " No you weren't honey!" Arlo, very solemnly, "yes I was, remember at Patra's party?" (Arlo had bucked when it was time to leave his friends birthday party days before, and her dad said to Arlo 'Arlo Santa is watching' . Which worked like a charm, but apparently left an impression) Trying to describe the nuances of what Santa considers truly naughty behavior and what he considers just temporary infractions of judgement isn't easy. Another reason I am not totally sold on the Santa man. Arlo continued his story in the car, "Santa isn't bringing me any gifts, but other people will, because they love me, but how do they know what I want?" Oh Arlo. Your precious little four year old noggin is incredible. We let the saga go from there, Arlo was happy with the collapsible cup that we did buy, and we carried on with Dad's Bday and waited for Christmas with no mention of the bazooka or any naughtiness again. And yes, I did return to the store the next day to buy the bazookas, wouldn't you?
When Arlo opened his present from Santa, his face shining, he said Thanks, Santa, I've been waiting for this! Arlo hung out near Santa while his cousins and brother had their turn on his lap, Arlo peered out the window silently looking for reindeer, waiting for a chance to ask Santa some burning questions. When Santa was done with his duties, Arlo asked him, "where are your reindeer and how do they fly?" Santa said they were down in the woods keeping warm and that they were magic, which is kind of a secret. Arlo said, "I know it is a secret. I won't tell anyone. Not even Nana and Papa. Or any of these guys here. Or my mom." More hugs were had and the boy walked Santa to the door.

I will upload some pictures soon, my Adobe is on the fritz after the lovely trojan horse visited my house, so I can't access my pictures. Bummer.

Aesa didn't dig sitting on Santa's lap. He was mad. He said Thank you for his gift (another bazooka!) and was happy giving the elf a high five, but that was it. I don't blame him. He didn't nap that day and spent most of the evening in a wee funk until he found some candy canes and the world was right again!