St. Nick and visiting Santa

I grew up with  the tradition of St. Nick visiting our house on December 6, and we're continuing that tradition. St. Nick filled a stocking for the boys together. 

I took ONE picture of the boys with the stocking. It practically turned out better than any of the 100-some photos we took for the Christmas card! They're sitting up straight, both looking, mostly smiling...

The stocking was filled with some candy, a Matchbox dump truck, a slinky, and some of those jelly window decorations (thank you, Target dollar aisle!). Everything was a big hit, but Thomas tried to eat the jelly decorations and then ripped them into tiny pieces. Why?!?!
Jojo got this cute reindeer hat and some bibs and bowls for starting rice cereal.

Thomas and Santa in 2010. Not a fan.

A different story in 2011. He and Santa are buds!

Jojo didn't mind Santa either. I imagine that might change next year!

 
 The whole family sits with Santa.

 We went to Santa's Workshop in downtown Kalamazoo. The event was sponsored by a local organization and included animatronic elves, which fascinated Thomas (see below), Santa, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, and crafts. I think this may be the most crafting Ed has done since he was in elementary school. I was impressed!