Earning a visit to Santa

In recent weeks a few there have been a few exciting developments that in many ways are telling us our little boy is growing up. As evidenced below, not only has he started to get along with the dog (Dusty is learning to tolerate him), John Grayson is also wearing a size 10 1/2 shoe. 

I do still feel a little room in the toe, but the boy sure is able to run around in them well. And by the way, doesn't he make Daddy's silly running hat look good? In addition to running around in my shoes, he has learned to 'help' me with the leaves. Once again, he convinced the dog that it would be a good idea to 'help' as well. 

Although we raked for about 3 hours, we made little progress (only 10 bags of leaves), so we still have quite a bit more to do. John Grayson has also become a big helper in setting up Christmas around the house. I will let you at home guess if he is putting up or taking down an ornament in this picture. 

As you can see, our little boy has been an exceptional help around the house the past week. For all of this good behavior, he earned a trip to see Santa at the Regency Mall this morning. Our Santa experience did not go so well last year, so Allison did not know what to expect. Well, this time it was an absolute success. 
John Grayson ran up and gave Santa a high-five. Santa picked him up on his lap and started asking him what he wanted for Christmas. John Grayson replied 'A big boy tricycle'. Good! Santa was already in the market for one of those... so this was going to be easy. But then Santa asked, what color do you want it? John Grayson looked at Santa, though for a second, and replied.. 'Blue'.  Hmmm, Santa's job just became a bit tougher....