Jake's encounter with Santa Claus

We did a lot of shopping today. I mean... a LOT of shopping. We were at the Merle Hay Mall (not the nicest mall in town, but the one we go to most often because it is closest and usually the least busy.) this afternoon and Jacob heard a jolly "HO HO HO" coming from Santa's seat. A bored looking Santa, with no kids in line was looking right at Jake. Jake replied with a loud (think: yelling at the top of his lungs, squinting his eyes) "HA HA HA" and grinned. Santa came over to Jake and said hello.. Jake said hi back. He wasn't the least bit scared, which really surprised me. Then Santa asked if Jake could have cake... I caved and decided it wasn't the end of the world to let him have a little junk food. Santa retrieved a Little Debbie Christmas tree from a basket over by his chair and brought it over to Jake. Jake grabbed it and hung onto it like he never wanted to let that Little Debbie go! Jake signed "thank you" to Santa... Santa must have known a little sign language himself, because he signed "You're welcome." It was a cute interaction.. I thanked Santa and we walked away, Jake happily munching on his Christmas tree cake.