Children line up for Santa at parade

Avery Rayford sat on a rock as he interviewed Cannon Air Force Base officials Friday evening while awaiting the start of the base Christmas parade.

The 10-year-old's uniquely turqouise eyes lit up with curious anticipation.

Cannon Connections: Alisa Boswell

Tiffany Barreto introduces her two sons, Malaki, 1, and Jaden, 8 months, to Santa Claus Friday in front of The Landing on Cannon Air Force Base during their annual Christmas parade. Barreto, who dressed both boys as elves, said it was the boys' first parade.

"On the second day of training, what do you do?" he asked Public Affairs official Ericka Englom concerning boot camp.

"Well, the second day of training, you get woken up at 4:30 in the morning and everyone's yelling at you," Englom humored the child.

Rayford and other children jumped up in excitement as the parade rounded the corner to their street.

Dozens of military families gathered at The Landing Zone where the parade was to end.

Children yelled in excitement as a firetruck with Santa Claus and polce cars turned into the facility's long driveway.

"It was great," said Aiden Short, 7, son of Master Sgt. Maripet Short. "The Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were my favorite part."

When the parade was over, children lined up to meet and take pictures with Santa and his lady.

Santa greeted Malaki Barreto, 1, and his brother, Jaden, 8 months, as they sat on their mother's hips, dressed in elf garb.

"He absolutely loves Santa so he was waving and saying 'hi Santa,'" Tiffany Barreto said of her son Malaki. "Jaden was just kind of taking it all in."

"Yes, you like candy too," Barreto said, laughing as Malaki pointed at the candy in other children's hands.

Families remained after the parade to hear a Ranchvale Elementary school choir sing and to see the lighting of the landing Christmas tree.