2010 Santa in the 'hood.

For the past several years, some of the families in our neighborhood have made it tradition to invite Santa over for a short visit with our kids. We told the kids we were getting together to make reindeer cookies, and the big kids got right to work on their project.The little kids, however, didn't have the patience for crafts...they got straight to the eating part.Cru and Jami.Melisa and Cole.Reanna, Hunter and Tiffani.Me and my two goofballs.As soon as they heard a "HO, HO, HO" coming down the stairs, their eyes lit up! He was even carrying a sack of gifts!Santa handed out all of his gifts (coincidentally, everyone got a book!), and the kids tore into them. Carter showing off his new book, "Llama Llama Holiday Drama."Next we had each group of kids sit with Santa for a picture. Asher did not love that idea at first......but once we rearranged and put Carter in the middle, he was more compliant.And pretty soon he was giving Santa a five.

The whole group of kids with Santa (minus Cru--he was not digging the jolly guy)--please note that not ONE single child is actually looking at the camera. This pretty much sums up our evening of chaos.

Carter gave Santa one last hug before he left.The kids did have one request before Santa left...they wanted to see his sleigh and reindeer! Ummm...one quick thinking mommy (Melisa) reminded Santa that his sleigh was in the shop getting a tune-up before his long trip on Christmas Eve. Therefore, Santa was on foot tonight. Good thinking, Melis!