Children decorated Christmas-themed photo frames with red, green and gold stickers and ate cookies in the craft room of the Indoor Aquatic Center while they waited for the arrival of Santa Claus on Saturday afternoon.

As the children finished their crafts, the question, “When is Santa coming?” began echoing around the room. To their relief, Mike Escalante, aquatic center programmer, announced Santa had just arrived.

Barefoot and wearing swim trunks and a Hawaiian shirt, Santa entered the room giving out high-fives and hugs before posing for photos. Afterwards, he joined the children in the pool, going down the water slide and even attempting to cross the floatie lily pads.

About 25 children attended the annual Santa Splash, hosted by Lawrence Parks and Recreation, at the aquatic center, 4706 Overland Drive.

Four-year-old Mayara Nathan, of Lawrence, wearing a hot-pink swimsuit and wrapped in a pink towel, told Santa she wanted “a big fluffy kitty” for Christmas. Before making her way to the pool, Mayara added that she wanted the kitty to be pink and planned to name it Strawberry Shortcake.

Five-year-old Peyton Johnson, of Lawrence, asked Santa for “a sled that could fly.” When asked where he would fly it, Peyton shrugged at first, then said he would use it to visit his cousin’s house.