Yay, Karl arrived home safe and sound! Both the children were determined to wait up for his midnight arrival, which was more than I could do. I was drooping over while reading our Nicholas book to them at 9:30. Elise and I managed to finish watching The Apple Dumpling Gang (gotta love Tim Conway and Don Knotts!), and then the kids sat in bed with me to watch Nova on Netflix while I snoozed. Elise fell asleep, too, but Albin was still awake when Karl came home!

Tonight is going to be busy. It's our hometown's Holiday weekend, and we've gone every year since we moved. There's a tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 (sometimes broadcast on the the local news), quickly followed by a chili supper at the Senior Center. There are crafts to do, too, and a visit with Santa, if you want. Then Erika's store has a local art gallery night, Elise has log-rolling, and the Sow's Ear has late night knit. Whew! Good thing we can hang around at home today, reading and maybe making more cookies.

Our church helps our a local resource center buy gifts for kids, and we've participated with our kids for several years. Albin helps pick out gifts for a boy, and Elise shops for a girl. We just got their ages and gift requests last night, so we can do that soon, too. Albin's boy asked for Poster Hot Wheels, and we're not sure what that is. Is it a poster of the toys, or a version of the play car itself? Elise's girl wants Barbies and play makeup. Not sure what we'll do about that--she's only five! Maybe we'll find some pretty hair things and lip gloss... Elise is ready to give her Barbies away, so we'll pass on some of her dolls, and buy a few new accessories to go with it. They also asked for pajamas, and I think there are some really cute footies out this year. This is one of the joys of the season, being Santa for someone who cannot do it themselves this year.

Oh, one more thing about tonight--it's the eve of St. Nicholas Day! Right before bedtime, the kids leave their Santa wish lists in their boots by the door. Sometime in the night, the elves come to take the lists to Santa and leave candy in the boot. Elise is so excited. She's been working hard on her list all week. (If any of the relatives want to know what's on those lists, send me an email, and I'll take a peek before the elves make away with them : )..).