Sinterklaas Feest

December 5th was a very exciting day in the Netherlands, and Kampen was no exception.  Sinterklaas arrived in the country in the middle of November, and for 3 weeks, anticipation built up for "Pakjesavond" (gift giving night).  Our kids had no idea about this night, which made it all the more exciting for us. :)

The day started with a grand celebration at Maddie's school, where Sinterklaas himself, along with a few of his Zwarte Piet helpers, arrived for the duration of her school day.  We were able to join her for his entrance, and let me tell you, it was sort of like we were attending a teeny-bopper concert - in other words, the kids were hyper, screaming and squealing before, during and after the arrival of the Sint.  It was really fun!

Maddie, in the "Zwarte Piet" hat that she made, special for this occasion.

Maddie's class, getting lined up for the big arrival. 

She was pretty excited, like all the rest of the kids (and many of the adults). 

The whole school community, out for the arrival of the Sint.  They were singing all kinds of Sinterklaas songs, clapping hands, squealing and jumping around.

Sinterklaas travels around on a regal white horse....until today... He arrived via scooter!  Brant and I got a real kick out of this!

The kids really could care less how he arrived - they were still pushing up against the ropes, trying to get close to him. 

The director of the school, welcoming and interviewing Sinterklaas to de Morgenster.  We couldn't understand a word, but that didn't spoil it for us. :)

After Maddie's exciting school morning, the day proceeded like every other day for us.  That is, until dinnertime...

We were happily playing together as a family, Christmas music on in the background, dinner cooking on the stove, when suddenly, someone knocked, our door flew open, pepernoten came flying into the room and a big burlap bag of gifts landed at our feet.  And with that, the door closed and what appeared to be a Zwarte Piet helper, was gone.

Maddie was beside herself that Zwarte Piet had come to our house and delivered a bag of presents from Sinterklaas to us!  Truth be told, Brant and I were super excited to, even though we were privy to the whole event.  Geoffrey became excited a few minutes later, after the shock and confusion settled just a bit.

Brant, asking Maddie, "What just happened???!"

Wow!

Now Geoffrey is excited!

Sinterklaas brought 3 gifts for both kids - Mommy and Daddy didn't ask for anything. ;) 

The kids were given matching baby dolls - seriously, these things are about the size of a 4 month old!!  It's been fun to watch them playing together, and not arguing over the one baby we brought with us from Pasadena. 

Maddie was also given a special cook-set, which was the highlight of her evening.  She had been eying this at a store in Kampen since the first week we arrived.  A week prior, she drew a map for Sinterklaas, with directions on how to find the toy at the store.  She had rolled the map up and put it in her wooden shoe, and the next morning the map was gone.  Back to this night, when she opened this gift, she exclaimed, "Sinterklaas used my map and found the cookset I wanted!!"  :)  It was sort of a magical moment.

Another fun toy!  These kids are set.

A box of puzzles!  Wohoo!

Geoffrey loves this truck, because it lights up and makes noise.  Awesome.  :)

We were delighted to be able to experience such a special national holiday this year.  We will always look back with fond memories, and are excited to take just a few of the traditions back home with us.