The nieces got candy and pajamas for St. Nicolas day.

Well, they got the pjs because they needed them, but they came in on the 5th, so they got them the next day. I had wanted to sneak up on them and change them into the pjs as they slept, which would've been hilarious, but Evangeline woke up a little and mumbled "Don't worry, I'll tell my aunt...." and I didn't bother. I never found out what dream-Eva would've told dream-Connie, though. She couldn't remember in the morning!

They woke up a bit early, but with a supreme effort of will refrained from approaching their shoes, carefully placed outside my door for ease of filling, until the crack of seven. Then, of course, it was gleeful yelling and cheering and eating chocolate for breakfast. I realized too late I should've made something really good for breakfast. Live and learn!

Honestly, it's the little moments of joy that make life worth living. Making them happy makes us all happy. Gosh, I love this time of year. I know it's sometimes a minority opinion, but I do love any season where I can give things and make kids smile.