We took Ben to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops this morning. He was a little nervous in line, but did really well once it was his turn. The camera elf caught him in a slightly confused, "Why is that lady shaking jingle bells at me?" look.
When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, Ben cheerfully replied, "A candy cane," which was what we told him he'd get after he got his picture taken with Santa. When Santa assured him that he was going to get a candy cane today and asked if there was something Ben wanted for under the tree on Christmas, Ben just looked baffled. I suggested a Matchbox car and Ben thought that was a good idea. It's nice to have one more year where Ben hasn't yet been heavily influenced by the incredible toy marketing on TV. They don't really show toy commercials on Food Network or the free on-demand cartoons that make up the bulk of TV he actually requests to watch. Thankfully he didn't ask Santa for a set of Rachael Ray cookware (it is orange, his favorite color) or Guy Fieri Knuckle Sandwich knives!
Ben has also been enjoying our Advent calendar. He remembers (better than I do!) what day it is and asks to open that drawer. A few drawers have things like stickers, but most are family things like decorating the Christmas tree, doing a holiday craft, reading a Christmas book, or going out to see the Christmas lights. You can also see his favorite Christmas ornament, George Brett, on the tree behind the calendar. Dave is very proud!
