St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day started out with a couple boots filled with candy!  Madison was apparently good this year, as evidenced by the sweets and treats.  No Krampus this time, although we heard some screams from the Peerson home down the street.

We started our busy day today early with a special visit to Chick-Fil-A, to see a special visitor.  It's that time of year again!

That's right, we met Santa Cow.  Madison and Daddy went to have breakfast, and while there we did a few crafts too.  We made candy canes with beads and pipe cleaners, and actually got real candy canes too.  On top of that, Madison got another miniature cow - part of a herd of stuffed cattle she now owns from so many visits to special events at Chick-Fil-A.  There were more items as well, but the one above is the one we'll treasure most:  a picture of Madison and Santa Cow.  That frame is actually a magnet, so the thing will stick to a refrigerator - where it is hanging to this day.

After Chick-Fil-A, there was play practice.  Yep, more and more practice.  Madison was on stage doing her best impersonation of a sheep.  She wasn't baaaaaaad.  

And after that, we did something ELSE.  We went to see "The Nutcracker."  That's right, this was one full day.  We went to go see the Gainesville Ballet's version of the classic Christmas ballet, sitting in the front row of the balcony at Pearce Auditorium.  It was really good as always, although it is somewhat adjusted to showcase other performers.  Still, the idea is there, along with some of the main themes that everyone loves about the play.

So next, we did not go home to rest.  no, we were off to stay at the church for a LONG time.  We were busy setting up for our December series, which involved so many Christmas lights that we kept tripping breakers.  We eventually found our balance, still with lights all over the stage.  Also, we had our Christmas music playing, and even a few Christmas movies playing on the big screen while we worked.  Mommy got the display case filled nicelly with our own Nativity set, and eventually, we got it all set up for a big day tomorrow.  Madison was very helpful with assembling a manger we got for this series (pictures tomorrow), and with cleaning up as well.  It was a late night of set up, but it was a pretty full day too.  Starting with boots and a cow, and ending with Christmas decorations galore, decking the halls at KidPak.

As evidenced by this one last picture - a personal tree for Madison and her friend Matthew: