"Oh What Fun It Is" Party

Part of the challenge with Christmas when you have little ones is how to get them to see Santa.  It can be difficult to find him locally.  One toy store up here sells tickets for a 3 hour window on one day.  If your working, I guess your kids are just out of luck.  Then the nearest mall that has Santa is a 45 minute drive.  All I could imagine is the kids being cranky by the time we got there.  Then I pictures Micah refusing, Victoria saying 'uppy' so that mama would hold her and Izzy being frustrated because things were going her way.

Then it hit me one day.  I should just bring Santa to them.  I then figured I wasn't the only family in the same situation so invited a few of Izzy's friends and my courtyard neighbors.  Because I was late to this idea, many Santa's were booked.  I was able to find one but it had to be on a Thursday.  That was actually in my favor as many of our friends and neighbors could come.  Izzy helped me the night before setting out as much as we could (she only thought we were having a Christmas party).  I was probably the most efficient I have ever been at work to get home by 6pm.  Santa was showing up at 6:30!  I picked up Izzy who jumped up and waved bye while running out the door.  She was definitely excited. 

Between 6-6:30pm, people were arriving.  Izzy loved to go out and answer the front door.  The best was when the guest was Santa.  She came back in with the best look of surprise wanting to know if I knew Santa was here.  She then went in to grab her two good kindergarten friends, Suri & Bonnie (above) to great him at the door.

 Santa was amazing!  The ages of children were from the twins up to 8th grade.  Somehow he was able to keep that whole group focused and interested.  He even knew how to entertain the adults with well placed humorous comments.  He read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas', sang some carols and performed magic.  Then it was time for everyone to sit on his lap and tell them what they wanted.

 Izzy's request was for a Barbie house.

 This was about as close as Micah & Victoria would come to Santa.

Our many guest enjoying the evening.

Santa was pretty cool!