Traditions!

We love traditions, and the kid make sure we keep them. The Sinter Klaas, put up the tree, sleep under the tree day just about wears us out--maybe we have to rethink that one--but it is fun for the kids--and for us!?!? In any case, it is fun to be together as a family!
Anna accidentally decorated herself!

Mel and I decorated our first gingerbread house when we were dating--we've done it ever since, and of course, it is one of the kids' favorites!


We are big adventurers--all the way to Lowe's for a Christmas tree!

FINALLY, we get to open the long-awaited package from Mimi, Bupa, and Sinter Klaas! And it was worth the wait. We found so many fabulous things inside! Thanks Mimi, Buba, and Sinter Klaas! (The package came about 10 days before Sinter Klaas, and we made the kids wait to open it--pure torture!)
New PJ's from Sinter Klaas and chocolate coins from Holland. Thys loves chocolate--he was in heaven! (Don't tell anyone he ate his entire chocolate advent calendar in one day!)
New doll from Mimi, Bupa and Sinter Klaas
Pop's new Netherlands shirt, PJ's, and my cool new Dutch food book!
Sleeping under the tree reading the new Christmas books.

And finally, our very own Smarte Piet (also known as Swarte Piet in other parts of the world).