Santa Claus came to town!

Yes, he did! He came to our town last night! He was at our library, and the kids were able to have a little visit with him. Seeing Santa at the library has been a family tradition these past few years. Remember this and this?
This year's visit was in question because Evan was sick with the flu just yesterday morning. However, by yesterday evening he was feeling pretty good. And today he's been fine, aside from his cold. So, even though we had cancelled his friend birthday party for today, we decided we could go for a short visit with Santa tonight. :)

Here's Caroline asking Santa for an American Girl doll and a pillow pet. Evan asked Santa for some Toy Story 3 toys.
Henry and Seth both asked for their own DSI XL.
Afterward, the kids were able to get a little something from a balloon artist.
Evan chose a cute Santa mask,

He LOVED it. (In fact, he went to sleep tonight with it right by his bed!)
and Caroline asked for her traditional candy cane.

Seth chose a candy cane too.
Henry chose the very Christmasey "alien". (Here he is with his good buddy, Dylan.)

Then the kids took in a magic show/comedy routine. Caroline was so excited because she got to watch it with her friend, Sydney. (Notice how long Caroline's hair is getting...she's been growing it for such a long time, and she was so happy that it is finally as long as Sydney's.)
After the show, the kids were able to meet the magician.
On the way out, Caroline was able to visit with Santa a little more. She asked him if he rode his sleigh to the library. (Apparently, Santa parked his sleigh near the fire station.) Then she was able to give his two hugs, and that made her very happy. Evan was so excited to show his Santa mask to Santa.
In past years, after our Santa visit, we went downtown for the Christmas walk. This year, we went straight home because we have a big day tomorrow. We're going to the Shedd Aquarium with our cub scout troop, and are leaving the house around 6:30 AM! The kids can hardly wait. Poor Moxie is having a big day tomorrow too...she's getting spayed. Hopefully, going to the aquarium will keep our minds off Moxie. The kids are all a little worried about her being at the vet's office all day.

I'm writing this post, as I sometimes do, after I woke up in the middle of the night. I kind of like this time...the house is so peaceful and quiet. I just looked outside and saw that IT SNOWED! The kids are going to be over the moon when they wake up in a few short hours!