Santa

There is something really exciting that happens in New Jersey each year that I did not get to experience as a child. Santa comes around on a fire truck to see all the kids. They drive around for hours with the sirens blaring so you know when to go outside. It ranks right up there with the ice cream truck but is even more exciting! Today my friend Kristen stopped over and said, "Someone's house is burning down - haven't you heard the sirens?" It never dawned on either of us that it was in fact Santa!

About two hours later Kristen's husband called me to tell me Santa was on a nearby street. It was 6 p.m. and we were headed out to the allergist. I quickly got the girls ready, warmed up the car, put Ella in the car, and then Lilly and I stood outside waiting for Santa...

Lilly was very excited (she's never seen Santa on the firetruck that she remembers) but also a bit nervous. A few times she started to whimper because the sirens were getting closer and louder. We waited and waited until it sounded like the sirens were getting further away! I really needed to get to the allergist so we got in the car and headed out to find Santa! I drove around the neighborhood and we quickly found the firetruck. I pulled over and Lilly and I jumped out of the car. She was so excited. Here's the firetruck on its way toward us...

I was hoping they would see us and stop and sure enough they did. My camera was switched to a funky setting and I was rushing with all the excitement so the picture has funky coloring but it captures the moment.
Two firefighters jumped off the back of the truck and gave Lilly a candy cane. She was BEAMING. I wish I could have caught her expression on camera. The firefighter said to me, "That is the cutest thing I've ever seen!" Lilly was looking up at Santa with the biggest smile. Santa was looking down at her and waving. Priceless.
As the truck pulled away Lilly said, "Santa's bringing me my kitchen tonight!?" and I told her that Santa was just visiting tonight to wave and say hello and that he'd be coming soon with presents for her. She was on cloud nine. It was great. I only wish Andy could have been home to see it since he also loves Santa coming around each year.

Christmas through the eyes of a child is really magnificent.