Yesterday after naptime Doug and I decided to take Roman to "Santa's House." It's a little building downtown in the neighboring city where I teach. We only had to wait in line about 5 minutes. Roman was very excited, talked all the way there about Santa. He sat on Santa's knee and looked very serious, almost bewildered. He asked for "Donald Douglas" (two Thomas trains) and "Annie & Clarabel" (Thomas' coaches). Then he wouldn't say any more. Santa suggested Magnetix, which we haven't really shown to Roman although I've seen them in the store and they look cool. Roman posed for a picture - but Santa didn't like it - so we got another one made. Two for the price of one! And it was only $5 (compared to the mall, for $15).

We then treated Roman to Coldstone ice cream, which is a splurge - 2 cups are over $7. Then we looked at the decorated trees in the park (various groups sponsor them and decorate them with themes - girls' tennis team with tennis balls, for example). Roman wanted to go back and see Santa again, but we told him only one visit per year!

Because we have 2 Polaroid pictures, I let Roman have one for his room. He is thrilled with it, keeps gazing at it and saying "Santa & me!"

Finished *almost* all the Xmas shopping today. Can't buy wine before noon so that's all I have left to pick up. We made fudge yesterday and Roman did a pretty good job of being patient AND careful at the stove. Have lots more to make since I signed up for the cookie exchange at school. Doug surprised me by wrapping a few gifts this morning. It's crazy having to teach until the 23rd - and yes, I know that many people do it, but 1. many get the 23rd off for observed holiday, and 2. not too many people bring home as much work as I do. So besides projects to grade, homework to keep up on, and keeping the students busy for the next 5 days, I have to finish wrapping, cooking, & packing. Whew!