Christmas Party

We had our ward Christmas Party last night. It was FUN! The kids got to see SANTA and tell them what they want for Christmas. They want some interesting things! But that's totally my kids, not the typical kid toys. ha ha. They also had to think really hard to come up with one really good item (because really they couldn't think of anything they REALLY HAD TO HAVE). They would rather just play outside w/ friends, ride their bikes, or at the park or going back n forth from their friends' house to our house, jumping on trampolines (at friends' houses - we don't have one), etc. And Summertime - they LOVE swimming! I love that they enjoy being outside burning off energy and getting some good exercise in the fresh air. Then when it's too dark to play outside, then they come inside to play video games or other stuff.

Anyway, they were happy to see Santa and not one of them FREAKED! YAY!! Ashley was almost going to go first, then suddenly, wanted to be last (our of our kids). I thought she was going to suddenly get shy, but she did great! Anson couldn't think of anything he wanted except candy and to show off his new cowboy boots! heh heh. Too Cute! Well, after Santa, our ward had a huge dinner buffet. We were one of the last ones to see Santa, so we had to get in the back of the ginormous food line. Oh well, the kids found their friends and ran around while I had the pleasure of standing in line chatting (waiting for Ben to get off work). When I got close to the table, they all managed to find their way back to me (even Ben showed up at the perfect time) to get their food. Once they filled their plates, they managed to magically disappear again. I guess they wanted to eat with their friends. Nathaniel said he was going off w/ a friend to a secret location. Whatever, as long as he ate dinner and stayed nearby & checked in with us periodically. Then they brought out desserts! Little by little they brought more out. I kept watching for what I brought...

I even told Ben to watch for it. I finally saw some kid walk away w/ a plate w/ something on it that resembled my Chocolate Trifle. So, I told Ben to RUN! He quickly made his way over there, and upon arriving to the table, some kid was just scraping the bowl clean. MAJOR BUMMER! I didn't even get a little bite of my heavenly dessert. :( Oh well, I'll just make a new one just for us! Maybe for family night!

After food, there was a nice musical program. A new family in our ward apparently can play the bagpipes and dance to the music. It was pretty cool! Another musical family in our ward had a unique & totally cool performance - they played a couple Christmas songs using cups filled w/ colored water & household utensils for instruments! They were very entertaining! We also sang Christmas songs and one of my favorite soloists in our ward sang O Holy Night. He is so awesome! It was a good family party! A good jump start to get me in the spirit!