Santa and Baseball

How much more American can you get? Not much.

The Fort Worth Cats hosted a "Kiddy Christmas Party" today in an effort to sell gift packs of tickets and goodies for holiday gifts. It was working for them, but ticked me off a bit. They promoted it like an ongoing party from noon to 2 p.m. and made it look like they'd have lots of stuff going on. Nope. We showed up at 12:30 and the guests of honor - the mascot, Dodger, and Santa - weren't even there. The kids were loving the cookies and juiceboxes, though.

Once Dodger and Santa arrived, my kids were thrilled. The two little ones enjoyed running and playing in the 75+ degree weather while we were waiting.

This Santa was a good one and, of course, Dodger is a hit with the kids. Pickle is showing off his Dodger autograph (from two years ago) on his Cubs cap.

I love the double thumbs up.

I just noticed that Dodger's eyes have an F in one and a W in the other for Fort Worth. Gees, I'm slow sometimes.

Little Bit was scared of Dodger and Santa, at first, but she warmed up to them with patience from both. They were really good.

You can see the sweet Santa listening to Little Bit in the background and really helping her warm up to him.

Finally, a shot of the girl with Santa. Both of the boys had their pics with him, too. Hot Rod wanted a picture with the 2006 division champ trophy that the Cats won this year (for the second year in a row).

And, of course, my eldest (who has been told about Santa, but chooses to hear the bell - ala Polar Express).

He has the photo smile down, doesn't he?

It was a pleasant diversion to the afternoon.