The magical moments....

Good morning everyone.  Are you ready?  Can you believe Christmas will be here in just a week?  Oh my.  I still have a few gifts to buy and lots to wrap but it will get done.  

Christmas has always been my most favorite time of the year.  This year, the time was made even more special.  On mistake, I stumbled upon a Facebook page of "Santa Victor."  I knew he looked familiar and read more on his page.  He was an old family friend!  The wheels started turning in my head right away.  I quickly wrote him and asked if he did "house calls."  I knew I had to get him.  He was so "authentic."  Real white hair, long white beard.  It was perfect.  He had even been to Santa school!  He wrote right back and said yes and a date was immediately set.  

I started planning right then for a small Christmas party for Darbee Rae and a few of her friends.  I was so excited!  I contacted the parents and told them the plan and that Santa was going to surprise the children.  We had to keep it a secret.  Darbee Rae was so excited about having her friends over to our house for a party.  

So, the night came.  I could hardly contain my excitement.

I will warn you this will be a VERY picture heavy post! The pictures tell the story and share the excitement in the kids much better than I could ever tell you.

Watching their faces was priceless.

The table was set with the snacks.  

There were Christmas tree cookies to decorate with icing and sprinkles.

There were "snowballs" complete with a shovel for serving.

There was popcorn.

And we even fancied up the juice boxes.

As the kids arrived, I had a small craft set up on the table.  They decorated foam stockings and trees with Christmas stickers.  This was to kill time until time for Santa's arrival.

Can you tell Darbee Rae was so excited?

Everyone was wearing their pajamas too!

They got busy on the crafts right away.

This is Katie.  She and Darbee were in dance class together.

Darbee and Cooper quickly began catching up! 

One friend was running late which worked out perfectly.  There was a noise outside which we "thought" was the friend.  I called Darbee to the door to look outside.  When she passed by the window, Santa was peeping in the window.  It was priceless! She quickly ran to the door and let him in. For once, she was struck speechless!

Cooper was right by Darbee's side the whole time.  

It was precious!

Although she was a little scared, a little surprised, and a little nervous, she quickly

gave Santa a big hug!

He was actually at our house!!!!

He was absolutely awesome!  He quickly gathered all of the kids around and let them

introduce themselves.

They were so quiet and listened to every word.

Then it was time for more hugs!

And even some secrets!  

I just adore this picture.  Don't you wonder what he is telling her?

Santa even shared a picture of a brand new baby reindeer.

He had pictures of it on his phone.

Who would have thought of that?  

Did I mention he was perfect?

Just look at the look on Diamond's face. 

It was priceless.

Pure excitement.

Every child had a turn to sit on Santa's knee and tell him what they wanted him to bring them.

All of the kids sat so nicely in the floor listening and waiting for their turn.

Santa even knew that Darbee Rae helped Nana and Papa at the craft fair this year and that she was selling marshmallow shooters!  Wow!  He really does keep up with them huh?

After that, he got in the floor with them.

He had them all put their hands together.

and then he had them all pull his beard!

He told them he wanted to prove it was real!

Look at the look on his face!  They didn't cut him any slack!

They pulled HARD!

Then that was followed by hugs!

and a group picture.

and final instructions from Santa.

Then it was time for him to go... 

But not before a few last pics.

And a little mischief from Nana...Ha!

The perfect evening?  Yes...

We finished it up with snacks, making ornaments and making reindeer food.

Are you still with me?  If so, you deserve an award. 

I know this was the longest post ever, but I had to share.

It will be in my blog book for me. :)

It was perfect. 

I couldn't have asked for anything more.

It was a magical night I will never forget.

Until next time....