Is Santa Real?

I don't know if I'm glad that my kids aren't wanting the entire Toys R Us this year, or if I'm sad that there isn't anything "big" on their wishlist. But, either way, we finally made a Santa list this week. What's funny is I've had to "plant" ideas in their heads, so they will be excited on Christmas morning. (Is that sneaky or what?!)

Cassie, this picture is for you.

We love our Santa plate you gave us. And, I love looking at Kendyll's cute handwriting every day. :)

And, here's a translation of what is written, just in case you need it:

"Please bring me:

*A Birdhouse (This was news to me!)

*A big tent (This might have been a tad-bit "planted" by her mom & dad)

*Ornament for Abby Kate (Kendyll is very bothered that I haven't ordered or bought Abby Kate any "first ornaments" yet for this year.)

*Games (Another encouraged addition from her parents)

*A Doctor Suit (Cortni, did you read that?! You're a likely winner for "favorite present" this year!)"

Carlie's list consists of: NOTHING. Seriously, that's what she says. Or, she says "I dunno". She has nothing that she really wants, even after perusing the toy aisles! I guess I'll count it as a blessing!

Speaking of Santa, Kendyll has been asking quite a few questions this year about his existence. The first question came after we talked about the movie, Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium, which we saw with Grandma a couple of weeks ago (very cute movie, by the way). I was explaining that there was not really a magic toy store (she still has a hard time distinguishing pretend from reality in movies...really she just automatically assumes that it's all real) So, I was explaining that nothing is really magic, because only God has power like that to do miracles or "magic". A few days later, she asks "So, mom, if God is the only one with power to do miracles, then how can Santa do all that stuff that he does?" Wow. Good one. I told her she is absolutely right. God is much more powerful than Santa. How is that for a roundabout answer?!

The other day she said "Mom, is Santa real, or do you and daddy just put out those presents?" Wow...again. I said "Well, what do you think?" (thanks, Nicole, for that advice!) She said, after quite a long pause: "I believe he is real. But, I just see presents from you and wonder if you just do all of them." So, we talked a little more and she finished the conversation still certain that Santa is real. We'll see how long that sticks. :)

Since then, we've seen a dozen different Santa's, and I have told her that they are just people dressed up like Santa, because she has definitely figured out that Santa can't be everywhere and look different every time.

But, we went to see North Park Santa the other day, and she is absolutely convinced now that she has met the one and only real Santa. And, why is he the one? He had a REAL beard and he knew their names! (I didn't mention to her that her name was on her shirt...see below. :)

Here they are smiling away. Even Abby Kate sat there with no tears!

Kendyll talks the day away to Santa about her Christmas plans....(she told me later that she snuck a feel of his real beard...you can see her fingers inching that direction in the picture.)

Meanwhile, Carlie fidgets with her fingers and says nothing to the man in red...(even though later she said that "Santa was so nice and she liked him so much!")

Grandma accompanied us on this fun outing, and bought us tickets to the famous train exhibit too. It was VERY cool and the girls loved it.

We'll most likely be visiting Santa again with Daddy when he is back, but our first trip was an overall success. And, Santa definitely won his way back into our kindergartener's heart...for now, anyway. :)