Teddy Sat on Santa's Lap ...

... for 5 whole seconds!

Santa with the boys, as Teddy was making his exit.

Teddy is fascinated by costumed characters but only wants to encounter them on his terms. That means that when he was younger and lacked any other means of communication, he screamed bloody murder. As he got older and more mobile, he simple scooted away from the Easter Bunny while giving it the death stare. We had good success with Clifford the other year, which was fun.

Now he's to the point that he can simply walk away from characters he doesn't like, which he does. But then he'll stop a safe distance away, smile and stare at them. Basically, they're cool, but they're too creepy to be that close.

So we didn't expect Teddy to remain by Santa for long, if at all. I expected him to bolt immediately when Santa scooped Teddy up and placed Teddy on his knee. Instead, Teddy looked quizzically, puzzled I think by Santa's real beard. And then, after a few moments, he scooted off Santa's lap. He was willing to stay right there with me by his side, which was also progress.

I think it's partially because this Santa is rather much like a real person, much more realistic than most Santa costumes. Yet, it's the same Santa we've seen in past years, so there's definite acceptance on Teddy's part.

He had a great time tonight checking out the Christmas lights and the sleighs with AJ, in addition to meeting Santa. AJ said he didn't want to talk to Santa, and my reply was perhaps not the best, although it was effective: You have to. You're the only kid who can tell Santa what you guys want.

Think Teddy liked the sleigh much?

AJ came through like a champ, listing off the three things he wanted to Santa and then suggesting two ideas for Teddy, like the awesome big brother he is. Santa commented on how organized he was, which, I mean, what parent doesn't beam with pride at that?