ECM Christmas Party in January

Last night we attended Chad's company Christmas party. They have it every year in January after everyone's holiday schedules slow down. It is a formal family party. The adults dress in semi-formal/formal wear, the kids just dress in Sunday attire. They do a great job of planning the party. It is enjoyable for both parents and kids. Austin and Libby look forward to it.

The night began with appetizers, open bar, and mingling. Then we moved downstairs for the sit-down dinner. The kids enjoyed chicken strips, fruit, and french fries; while we enjoyed mushroom soup, saland, chicken, filet mignon, and asparagus wrapped in bacon. We had cake that was decorated as presents for dessert. They had a small performance of the Nutcracker and an 'elf' that juggled and gave the kids some treat bags. The rest of the night was a live band and dancing... The kids favorite part!

Austin loves dancing with all of the older women at the party. His favorite dance partner is the owner's wife! (below)














He danced with a few ladies last night, but not as many as last year! Libby preferred to stick with Mommy and Daddy.










We left the party around 10:30 pm and the kids fell asleep on the way home. It was a late night for them! When we got home Austin looked at the clock and exclaimed, "Wow, it's almost the middle of the night! Have I ever stayed up this late before?"

Christmas

We spent Christmas Day at our house. The morning started at 7 AM (only because we told the kids they were not allowed out of their rooms until then!). I would guess all of the kids presents were unwrapped by 7:10... It was fun. Austin jumped up and down when he opened his Lego Star Wars game and then came over and gave Chad and I a hug and thanked us. It was very sweet. We have it all on video...

Libby received her American Girl doll, Emily. She also got a party dress for Emily from Nana and Papa, and matching pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa.

Christmas break has been very relaxing, with many days in our pajamas. One day we took the kids snow skiing in Michigan and enrolled them in ski school. They had a good time and by the end of the day Austin was skiiing pretty well on his own. Libby still needed help. We're hoping to take them again at the end of January.

We spent a couple of days in Kalamazoo to celebrate Christmas with Chad's family. All of Chad's family was able to get together. It was a fun time for all. We spent one night up until 3:30 am playing a 'riproaring game of Rook' as Grandma would say!

Christmas break is almost over. I'm sad to see it go. It's been nice not having to send Austin off to school. Life has been slow and relaxing. Monday morning brings back reality...

December Highlights

Here is a little catch-up on the things that happened during the Christmas season...

We had our annual Gingerbread Man Day. We read the Gingerbread Man story and bake gingerbread men! Libby has always loved that story... run, run as fast as you can...

We took the kids sledding when Chad returned from a business trip in Europe. They had been begging to go sledding since the first snow.

The kids had a couple of Christmas programs where they both sang. One was a kids program at our church called Breakfast at the Stable. The Elders of the church serve pancakes and then the kids do their program. The other program was through the Bible Study we attend on Thursdays.

Austin's kindergarten class at school made snowman sweatshirts. Then they wore the sweatshirts to their 'Winter Party' (not allowed to call it a Christmas party...). I was able to help with the Winter party. Austin's sweatshirt turned out great! I was very impressed.