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He Sees You When You're Sleeping

Tribune Photo By Fred bellet

For Joshua St. Jernquist, 18 months old, sitting on Santa's lap was not exactly what he had in mind when he visited the mall.

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By TRIBUNE STAFF

Published: December 24, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Santa Claus is getting ready for the biggest night of the year: Christmas Eve. Before he started packing his sleigh, he checked his list (not once, but twice) and sat for hours at the Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey listening to the whispers -- and sometimes wails and screeches -- of local children.

Those taking to his la -- or at least standing nearby -- ranged from young Cody Presta, who met Santa last year but had to be coaxed into posing for a photograph this year; to a crying Joshua St. Jernquist, 18 months, of Port Richey. Eight-month-old Ava DeSimone managed to pull the jolly old elf's hat off his head as her sister Layla DeSimone, 3, remained calm up on his lap.

Hailey DaFoe, 2, of Port Richey had to have a little chat with Santa Claus before venturing close. Scotti Folino, 2, of New Port Richey, flashed a big smile as he landed on Santa's lap.

All in all, it was a successful visit with St. Nick.

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