Santa's Lap

My company held a sweet kids Christmas party today. There was punch and cookies and a special visit from the guy in red. At least 50 kids were in attendance; each one got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and they each received a present.

As you can see from the picture, a visit with the big guy is serious business. She really does great with strangers but it is sometimes tough getting her to crack a smile.

And fulfilling a personal request from yesterday, I submit for you another comparison between this year's events and last's. I can't believe how small she was! (I apologize in advance for the snobbery, but I also can't believe how horrible of a picture they can get away with selling at the mall. I'm glad I had my own camera this year.) I still remember Santa saying that Audrey asked for "one of everything" last year and judging by the mess we pick up in our living room each night, I think she got what she asked for. If not at Christmas, then throughout the rest of the year.

If Santa didn't make her smile, the huge ballroom with lots of things to explore did. She spent over an hour running around, investigating every nook and cranny, dodging and ducking between people's legs, and getting in other families' pictures. The present she received was almost bigger than her but that didn't stop her from pushing it around the room. She was definitely more interested in the small pieces of shiny wrapping paper than actually getting to the "good stuff" inside. I guess we have a bit to teach her before next weekend.