the kids "wrote" 2 letters to santa each this year, and sent one from mimi's and one from home.. the one from mimi's was more like a drawing for santa of things they would like to have.. a pictogram if you will. they put them in mimi's mailbox, and GOT A RESPONSE!
it said:
To Ryan (Riley also got one with the same text)
I have been looking at my list of all the good little girls and boys and I see that you're are the top of the nice list this year. Great Job! I am very proud of you for being so good. Rudolph and I are really looking forward to visiting you on Christmas Eve. The elves have been very busy making toys for children all around the world, and I know that you would really like for me to bring you something special. I will certainly try my best to bring you something you will like. My favorite part of Christmas is being able to make so many kids happy and share the gifts the elves make each year, because sharing is what makes Christmas so special. Lumberton is one of my first stops this year, so be sure to go to bed early because my magic only works when everyone is asleep. I am sure I will love the cookies and milk and don't forget to leave some carrots for the reindeer. We work up quite an appetite delivering so many toys all around the world.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
SANTA
We are super thankful Mimi and PawPaw's postman knew where to deliver this letter! Ryan was over the moon excited, and is planning to skip dinner on Christmas Eve and go to bed VERY EARLY since Lumberton is one of the first stops!
I also helped the kids write letters, and thought it would be fun to share them:

a few things to note:
riley's:
always caring about others, wanted to immediately ask about dasher.. and signed her own name!
ryan's:
how are you (then upside down exclamation point!)
gets right to the point: new red car, toy jet (kind of looks like toilet to the untrained eye!)
I have been a good boy.
SLED - not sure where he thinks he will use a SLED?
mario
the picture in red at the top is SANTA, and a tree down below.
love, love making these memories with them, and I am sure I will love seeing these pictures even more in 10 years!