it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The children were looking particularly festive this past Sunday so I snapped a few photos on the front porch. Even The Boy was somewhat willing.

Then we stopped to see Santa on our way to church. He was visiting the historic one-room schoolhouse in town.

The one with a separate door for the girls...

and the boys. (My kids are endlessly amused that they used separate doors)

Santa was a right jolly old elf. Princess even whispered as we walked in the door "I think it's the REAL Santa, not one of his helpers!"  I got some great photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. One was so darling I featured it in my Christmas cards so until those are delivered I won't post it here, but isn't this one of Pinky on Mrs. Claus' lap sweet? No fussing, just a shy, tentative cuddle with Santa and his wife!

We've visited Santa here before, several years ago. It's a lovely, quiet, activity. Only three other families stopped by while we were there. Santa gives each child a tiny chalkboard ornament personalized with their name and the year. We snacked on cookies and punch before we headed off to church. It was a delightful little detour.

Merry Christmas to all if I don't stop by here before then.  The Husband will be returning home in a couple of hours after being away since the first week of December so, needless to say, I've got a few more things on my list to accomplish before Santa arrives at our house. Wish me luck! Hope you're all enjoying your Christmas Eve eve.