Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

We kicked off the holiday season this weekend with a visit to Roper Mountain Holiday lights, where we see Santa Claus each year.  Luke thought he spied the jolly red guy first, but it turned out to be Leah posing in disguise:

 

When we did greet Santa Claus, both kids climbed right into his lap (what a long way we've come from those "screaming with Santa" pictures!) and informed him what was on their Christmas wish lists.  Leah would like a "Big Book of Boo Boos"(part of the Doc Mc Stuffins clinic),  and Luke wants a racetrack for remote control cars.  Santa assured the kids that he'd put his elves right to work, and as we walked away, he called out to the kids, "No Fighting!".  Mommy appreciated this, and has used it to her advantage numerous times in the past few days with the gentle reminder that "Santa is watching..."

 

 

We tucked in our children that night and when I went to check on Luke a few hours later, I found this.  My heart swelled at the adorable sight and I imagined all of the sweet Christmas dreams that my five-year old was dreaming:

 

 

And here's the best part:  Luke hasn't taken off that Santa hat since.  He wore it ALL weekend, and it elicited many smiles from people who saw him.  "Santa" went to the movies:

We saw Disney's "Frozen" and it was quite cute and appropriate for our winter-themed weekend!

He completed a Kid's Clinic at Home Depot:

Who knew Santa also went shoe shopping?



 

He enjoyed some down time with his Leapster:

 

 Of course, Santa must eat dinner, too!

Santa tinkered with tools:



 

And he even hung out in his pjs, with his favorite pet:

 

We convinced Luke to take off the hat for bath time each night and to go to school yesterday, but it went right back on afterward.  It certainly is a fun, festive way to begin the Christmas season with our own adorable Santa Claus!