sinterklaas kapoentje

I bet you didn't know Sinterklaas makes special international housecalls! Well, he does, and we were lucky enough to be graced with his and Zwarte Piet's presence on Saturday evening. And when I say 'we', I mean not just our little family. We got to spend it with grandma's and grandpa, siblings, nieces and nephews, and a wonderful collection of friends who we have gotten to know in the past as LDS missionaries in Holland and now get the chance to share more time with. The evening started with a delicious potluck dinner, sharing stories and memories of Sinterklaas, and some rather loud children's play. Around 6.30pm we started singing Sinterklaas songs, in the hope the good man and his helper would hear us, and pay us a visit. We were hoping we might even receive a present or two. We have been good all year long, after all! Sure enough, after a handful of songs, there was a loud banging on the front door, and we ran downstairs to see what was going on. It was Sinterklaas and Black Peter, and they came bearing gifts!  There were presents for everyone, and some of us had funny poems to read with our gifts. Sinterklaas chose a few lucky (big) kids to come and sit on his lap and grace him with a song. Oh, to be so lucky! Yes, Sinterklaas even brought Hagelslag for all the returned missionaries! We had the best time together. Thanks to everyone who came and helped make this evening a success - especially Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet! And don't worry Dutch friends, Sinterklaas told us he was heading back to Holland the very same evening, to continue his duties there. Enjoy!