Santa Arrives in Style!!

OK first of all I must say that this was the HARDEST secret I have ever had to keep!!

The elementary school that 4 of my kids go to was blessed with a new principal this year.

We are always a little leery when someone new comes in because that means changes and if you have read any of my other posts you know a couple.. ok maybe just one of my kids really don't like change.

Well we really like him!

He is great with all the students and has brought and approved so many wonderful ideas that more and more kids are getting involved with the school activities.

Well at our PAC meeting in October he informs us that he has plans to bring Santa to the school by HELICOPTER!

I guess he use to do it at his old school and the kids loved it so he wanted to do it with ours.

But it had to remain a SURPRISE for them.

Do you have any idea how hard it is NOT to share that kind of exciting news with your kids?

So as a bonus I offered my services to do the photos with Santa after he arrives.

It frees up the teachers to work with the excited kids and I get good experience and possible clients.

So here we are the day of his arrival...

Its a clear but slightly over cast day.

Low to no wind and fresh snow from the night before to create the perfect look.

The kids have just had a very yummy pancake breakfast at the school

and they are lined up out side having no idea WHY they are outside when Santa always just walks into the Gym.

They suspect something but have no idea.

It must be something big because the TV people are there and that is exciting on it's own.

I had arranged for Ben to have the Day off of school so he could help but he first had to go and take a major Chemistry test. He cut it close and as we were waiting he came running across the field.

The minutes tick by...

some are kicking snow..

others are testing the safety rope to see how far they can push it until someone notices...

all wondering what is going to happen.

Then it comes..

faint at first..

then louder..

they all look up and see a helicopter in the distance and think it is cool

It must be headed somewhere exciting.

then they realise it is getting closer..

closer still..

wait a minute it is getting lower too!

Well did you know that almost all kids LOVE Helicopters?

They are excited, this is so cool and then it happens..

Santa leans forward and waves out the front window and kids start SCREAMING!!

Santa is in the HELICOPTER!

It got soo loud!

Then it landed in a cloud of snow and it was hard to see for a minute

As the snow settled everyone watch as one black boot after another stepped out and onto the snow.

Now for even more fun, Santa was not ALONE!!

Who do you think would make such an exciting trip with him?

Why Mrs. Clause of Course!

This was truly an amazing event.

The kids crowded around the visitors as they watched the helicopter take flight again.

Santa was here to stay.

He hugged the kids as they walked into the school to where he would be seated for the next few hours as over 140 family groups of siblings came to have their picture taken with him.

Mrs. Claus stayed for about half the photos but as the Elves like to play and get side tracked really easy and the reindeer needed food she had to head back Home but Santa Stayed to finish out the day.

It was really a day worth Cherishing.

Who knew that Santa could be so cool and I am sure the reindeer enjoyed the extra rest they got for the up coming trip they will be taking in one week.
Check out the local news broadcast about the event and Hope you Holiday is just as exciting.