spending time with our personal santa

For the past four years around this time of year Landon is gone quit a bit. Doing what you say? Well, he's Santa. At least for West Riverside County he is. Every year for almost the month of December is helps the Riverside Fire deparment gather food and toys for the families that are need of their help. Then he and other fire fighers deliver it to them.

This year was our first year that the boys and I came along. We had first row seats. (actually it was the back seat of the fire truck, but you get the hint). The boys had a blast! (so did mom). First they got to ride in the truck with fire fighters with the lights and sirens going, as well as knowing that their dad knows Santa well enough that he got to help the big guy out! You see Santa Clause himself called up Landon to ask him to help him out in this time of need. He even sent his suit for him to wear. So the boys were very impressed.






What was so amazing is that there were so many volunteer fire fighers helping out. It was a line just to get inside the house to deliver the packages.



Wyatt did so good with calling Landon Santa Clause and not dad. He actually was Santa's special helper a couple of times. And in between that, he chatted it up with the fire fighters



or goofed off with them. One or the other.



(just so you know this shoot was taken while holding Shane....I know, not so good)


Some of the fire fighters loved having the boys there with them. They would just take them under their wing. It was awesome






I would have to say that doing this really brought the Christmas Spirit. I wasn't to happy with doing this only because I knew Landon couldn't help me with the boys. We visited 15 families last night and that means getting the boys in and out of the carseats 15 times. Plus we were out till 10:30pm at night. So I just nervous about it. However, by the time we got to that first door, I knew I was so glad to have come. All I did was witness it. I didn't put time in organzing it, or volunteering my time (well it was my husband's time) but I didn't do much but watch. And it was the most wonderful feeling I had in a long time. To be able to see the happiness in the children's eyes was so moving. And to watch my boys give the presents to them was so heart warming. I really had to fight back some tears last night. It really put things in to perspective for me.

There was one other reason I was filled with joy last night. One that brought such happiness to my sense's. My husband had to wear a belly with the outfit. A pretty big belly. A belly that is almost the size I am when I'm pregnant. (if you haven't seen me pregnant....I'm HUGE!! I know I am. What do you expect when I deliver 9lb babies)
So when Landon was getting dressed and he was complaining about it, I just had the biggest most satisyfing smile on my face. I don't know what else could bring more joy to me. And when he asked me to help him put on his shoe.....oh the enjoyment I felt. I laughed. Then I said "ok next time I'm pregnant, don't laugh at me anymore when I ask you to help me put on my shoes"



And yes I did kiss Santa Clause last night!