Santa's Coming Tonight, Tonight!

IN THE SWIM: After a 7 hour drive yesterday, we woke up this morning to a sunny day in Siletz, Ore. Not too long after breakfast, the kids hit the pool. Annabelle was very adventurous, willing to put her whole face in the water in attempt to swim. I think tomorrow she'll make a real leap forward toward genuine swimming. Meanwhile, CJ is happy to be in the pool, but he's not a bit interested in submerging his face. Oh well, in time. ...

EDIBLE ART: After swimming, the kids (including Rick) were treated to a cookie decoration session. Nonnie and Co. had baked up gingerbread men, Christmas trees and ornaments and there was an array of frosting and sprinkles for embellishment. Here's Rick's victim, er, creation ...

CJ went for a more traditional approach ... and, if I'm not mistaken, he has already eaten all three of the cookies he decorated.

FERN GULLY: After the cookies, we went for a bit of a nature walk with Kirby in tow. I was trying to point out to the kids the differences between the naturally growing plants and trees at our place as compared to Nonnie and Bops', who live along a river with lots of large trees and, therefore shade and water-loving plants all around. There is lots of fern and moss. We'll have to take a closer look tomorrow with Nonnie present, as I know she will be able to enlighten us about the flora and fauna.

SURPRISE VISITOR: Just before dinner tonight, there was a knock on Nonnie and Bops' back door. And who should it be but Santa Claus himself, stopping by to drop off a couple of early presents.

The kids were mightily surprised. One of the presents Santa brought the kids was a puzzle of the United States. After dinner tonight, I opened it up and spread the pieces out for CJ. I told him I'd be right back to help and when I returned just a couple of minutes later, he'd already got a good jump on most of the border. Go CJ!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL: And to all a good night. This Santa's helper has some work to do! Happy Holidays!