Seeing Santa - the sequel

Some time Friday, AJ started experiencing what can best be described as request regrets. Specifically, he started wishing he'd asked Santa for something other than a teddy bear. Not that he didn't want a teddy bear, but he apparently realized there were a lot of other toys he wanted more.

Luckily, he had a chance to amend his official request.


Saturday morning, Santa Claus came to AJ's school as the guest of honor at the annual pancake breakfast. As the kids cozied up on his lap, I couldn't help but think this was the first year in this setting that Jeff didn't have to be part of the photo. Sydney's starting to feel pretty comfortable with the "good guy."

She told him she still wanted a fairy princess. AJ, however, told Santa he'd changed his mind. He really wanted another Playmobil playset. He left it vague, giving Santa the option to decide which one would be best. Of course AJ is hoping for the ghost pirate ship, but he understands it might be too big to fit in Santa's sleigh.

Sydney's willingness to plop down in Santa's lap wasn't the only new development this year. So was her eagerness to eat breakfast. "I love pancakes!" she enthusiastically exclaimed as we waited in line. This is the same child who wanted nothing to do with any of it last year. What a difference 12 months makes! Or maybe it's one more example of why this is the season of miracles.