Scary Santa

Esther went on a christmas trip with her pre-school to a minature steam railway near where we live to have a ride and to see Father Christmas in his Grotto i.e. engine shed with a few decorations..... here she is with her friends ready for her first ever train ride.
Lets bear in mind she is not strapped in and there is no adult sitting in her train carriage - Ben went with her and took the pictures... first thing I thought was 'What if one of those 3 kids didn't like it and decided to get up and try to climb off when the trian was moving?' Maybe that's just the way mum's think! Anyway, you'll be pleased to know they were all safe and sound and made no attempt to make any early exit from the ride!

Is it just me or does anyone else have a child terrified of Father Christmas? At the tender age of 3 Esther likes Father Christmas in concept but would she like to sit on his knee or go and get a present from him? No siree! I think this picture was taken under duress and only because daddy was with her. Having said that, she did enjoy the chocolate in her gift!! Each year the Rotary club in our area make a Santa's Grotto float which comes around the area with Santa on it of course giving sweets to the children and collecting money for charity. Each time we have seen it Esther has CLUNG to us, this year positively shaking with fear at the thought of going to see Santa on the float. She doesn't like Halloween either - ironic really since she absolutely LOVES dressing up. Ultimatley though she does understand he is the bringer of gifts so she wants Father Christmas to know she would like a Hula Hoop for christmas. So if you are reading this blog Santa here's one little girl's wish!