I Believe!

Today I told the boys we were going to visit Santa at his workshop and then go see some horses to go for a carriage ride. For all those in the area, every Saturday in December they are giving free horse-drawn carriage rides in the afternoon at Key Bank. Anyways, I stressed the horse part to Brian as in years past Santa hasn't been a very big motivator.
When it was time to get dressed to brave the outdoors I reminded Brian we were going to see horses. The boys got their gear on and I look down at Brian's feet to see he had dug out his horse-riding boots from the back of the closet. I laughed at how observant he can be when he wants to be but also was a bit worried about how he might react when we didn't go to Freedom Riders- the only place he ever wears his boots to.

When we arrived at the Workshop Corbin went right up to Santa and was delighted to hear Santa say, "I bet you want Legos!" and Corbin had just, minutes before, delivered his letter to the north pole that asked for that very thing! Brian wasn't really paying any attention and Santa and Mrs. Claus kept calling his name. I told them that Brian has autism and doesn't always respond to his name. Santa nodded his head as if he understood and stopped calling Brian's name and instead said, "Hey can I get a high five?"- another thing I can't believe Santa knew. High fives are never denied by Brian. He's practically OCD about "high fives".
Brian stopped his circle-walking and went over and gave Santa a high-five. While doing so Brian noticed Santa's black boots that very much reminded him of his horse boots. He stuck his own foot and placed it next to Santa's and said, "Boots!" He kept his foot there for a little while looking at his boot next to Santa, then ran off laughing and walking in circles again.

A few minutes later Santa asked him if he wanted to have his picture taken and Brian walked over and posed for a picture.


That is why I still believe in Santa!

(Oh and the carriage ride was a success after- either Freedom Riders didn't cross his mind or he decided our plans were just as fun)