Dag Sinterklaas!

Tonight was the big Sinterklaas celebration and the end of the treats. One of the families from Lauren's school threw a big party for all the families of the school with an appearance from the "real" Sinterklaas, or at least the real one of Assen. A great time was had by all and it was wonderful for them to open their home up to all of us. The evening started with entertainment by a clown for the children until it was time for Sinterklaas to arrive. Then it was singing, joking and presents for all. Lauren got to sit on Sinterklaas' lap for a long time while the Zwarte Pieten were making jokes and doing magic and she really liked that. Justin received a Dutch bus and Lauren received a Littlest Pet Shop Set and they were both extremely pleased.

After a great evening of partying, we came home and the kids were getting ready for bed when the doorbell rang. Outside the door was a sac of presents from Sinterklaas and the kids were ecstatic. Tomorrow Sinterklaas will get back on his boat and travel back to Spain until next year. This is another Dutch tradition that the kids have really enjoyed.