Ho ho ho

We hear a lot this around the house these days. You just say the name "Santa" and both Maddie and Ella start saying "ho ho ho." Ella will occasionally throw in "Merry Christmas boys and girls." They are both very aware of who Santa is and that you want to be on the good list to get presents on Christmas morning.

We recently took them to see Santa. This is the Santa that I had to book a reservation for back on October 7! I don't even think I had figured out what the girls were going to be for Halloween yet but I was all about booking a time to see Santa. Yes, I am fully aware at how crazy this is. Back to the girls and Santa - they did great! There were no tears, which is really all a parent could really ask for.

Here's the play-by-play;

Ella's wish list for Santa that Daddy helped her write out.

The picture that Ella drew for Santa. Not sure what it is but based on her other drawings that look like this, my guess is that it's a slide park.

The one time that Ella smiled was when Santa was reading her wish list and asked her if she wanted a Dora kitchen. This brought out the smile and a sweet yes. And since they can't read yet, I guess there's no harm in telling you that they aren't getting "the" Dora kitchen. They will be getting a kitchen from Santa but just not the one that they see on the nickelodeon commercials. And just a little side note - those commercial are powerful! I am dreading the years ahead when they want every single thing they see on t.v. So, I hope there isn't a revolt on Christmas morning. Although, my friend Gina gave me the idea to slap a picture of Dora's face on the fridge and they'll never know the difference! Ha-ha - we just may have to do that!

Saying good-bye to Santa and getting a hug.

And finally...

Thought it would be fun to put this one in here for comparison. Wow, I can't believe that this was only a year ago!