Here Comes Santa Claus.

"I don't want to see Santa...." wailed Bella...yes, we were back at the Summit Sierra mall for their Carriage Rides with Santa. Right after church...and before lunch. Not a good idea, you think?

And then he arrived promptly at 1 o'clock as scheduled...clip, clop, clip, clop...here comes Santa...

We were all excited...second family in line...43 degrees, cloudy and no snow.

Kata was already with her request...Alex was still trying to make up his mind...and Bella kept mumbling "I want a dolly...I want a dolly..."

And then we were loaded into the carriage. " My, you've grown so much from last year, " Santa said to Alex.

Here's the happy shot right before we took off!...Santa led us in singing "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." He asked the kids what they wanted...Alex, scrunching up his nose, "I haven't decided yet, Santa." Santa to Alex, "Might have to thumb through a few more catalogues or go on-line, hmmmm?"...Quick nod from Alex..."And you young lady?" he said to Kata..."I want a Hannah Montana doll that sings..." she said clear as a bell..."Those are very popular this year..."said Santa...."And you?" to Bella...."I want a dolly..."...."A dolly...what kind of a dolly?" Santa clarified...."A purple dolly!" exclaimed Bella..."A purple dolly??!! Ho-ho-ho...well, m'dear, you are at the top of the purple dolly list...ho-ho-ho...no one has requested that one yet!"

And so ended our ride with the fat, jolly, old elf...we found out his horse's name was Bella.

And then, courtesy of the Toll House Cafe, we brought some warm cookies to Santa...and a small donation for carrots for Bella, the horse.

Wishing you chilly afternoons filled with warm, chocolate chip cookies...fresh out of the oven.

Tweet