We took the boys to see Santa this past weekend while in Pittsburgh at a place called Meder’s. It’s been a tradition for us to go every year we’re visiting Matt’s parents in Pittsburgh. I actually remember going in 2003 and asking Santa (it’s been the same one for years and years) to send us a baby that year. Yes, he thought I was a little nuts, but he smiled and said, “I’ll see what I can do!”

From 2004 to 2008, we came back to visit with him with new babies… William in 2004, Alex in 2005, Ben in 2007 and Henry in 2008. It’s always made me smile to keep going back to the same spot, the same Santa. He’s such a kind, kind, kind man.

This year we went back with the boys to get our annual photo… but this year, the boys weren’t too sure what they wanted for Christmas (which is a 1st, believe me!).

Matt captured this photo that just makes me smile of Santa and William…

… he was trying to think what he wanted for Christmas. And you know what? He couldn’t think of anything to ask for on the spot, so he said to Santa, “Just surprise me!”

(Not what I want to hear… but I thought it was adorable! This is something very William to do.)