It's hard to tell in the picture, but they were filled by good St. Nicholas. First Son was so excited on Saturday morning, he accidentally pulled all the stockings down. Luckily, his little gifts soothed his aches. For posterity's sake, we'll record that St. Nicholas left each of the older kids some chocolate coins, six little candy canes (which we now know First Daughter does not like), chopsticks (oh, the kids love eating with chopsticks!), some Jonah cards, and a flashlight. After emptying the stockings, we feasted on chocolate chip pancakes!
First Son talked about St. Nicholas the rest of the day and even decided to write him a letter. It's not clear that he realizes the difference between St. Nick and Santa Claus, but we'll work on that. I'm hoping next year to have a book to read about St. Nicholas. Anyone have suggestions? I haven't had a chance to read through the suggestions here yet. (I'm also tempted to make cookies next year. There are a number of traditional cookie recipes for the feast day.)
The kids spent Saturday night with Grammy and Paw Paw so Kansas Dad and I could enjoy a dessert reception at his university (where Second Daughter was much treasured) and an evening out on the town. (We went to one bookstore until it closed, then had dinner, then went to a second bookstore until it closed. We're real party animals.) It was wonderful! Second Daughter even sat in a high chair at the restaurant while we ate. Such a treat for Mama to have both hands free!
