Ellie and Santa.

The first time Ellie met Santa, it was right before her first bout with a tummy bug.  She was amazed and a little spaced out.

First Christmas.

Last year, she and Santa had a misunderstanding, in which Ellie thought Santa was out to attack her in some way.

Second Christmas.

This year, we missed our local Down syndrome group party where we normally hang out with Mr. Claus.  Lucky for Ellie, he visited her classroom yesterday.  Although I didn't have my real camera, I did have my phone.

New Santa.  Same issues.  "NO NO NO NO!"

Clearly, her relationship with St. Nick needs help.  She's hoping to undo any damage she's done over the past two years with a big plate of cookies and maybe some eggnog.

Yesterday morning, she dumped a bowl of Cheerios on the table and then exclaimed, "A mess!  I clean!" so I think her wariness of Santa is warranted.  And let's not forget her treatment of the Elf, who is currently hiding in a stocking.

However, she is still the best snuggler, funniest kid ever, and friendliest person I know, which should earn her some points back with Santa.

Except for the fact that she's currently dumping water onto the kitchen floor to make a puddle.

Merry Christmas, friends.