The Best Christmas Party Ever

As I mentioned before, things were a little wild at our house during November and December.  I was a bit sad about missing activities like visiting Santa or heading out to the mall to see displays or just enjoying the Christmas decorations.  I shouldn't have worried. 

Some of our good friends in our ward invited us to their company's work party.  It sounds a little odd but this was actually the third year we were invited to the same party.  One of the families we met at the dance studio (and that lived in our neighborhood) had invited us to the same party a couple of times.  Stacy, the mom, also worked for the company... well actually her Dad owns it.  She had raved about this party so we decided to give it a try. 

It was incredible.  INCREDIBLE.

I have never seen anything like it.  I am just going to make a list:

-Petting Zoo
-Bounce House
-Ice cream shop
-Popcorn shop
-Hot dog shop
-Hot chocolate (and other drinks including juice boxes)
-Elf stores (to look at)
-Intense and elaborate face painting
-Photo booth with two employees to ensure good pictures
-Live Santa with photos (he actually took time and reminded me of my childhood Santa)
-Fair games with workers and regardless of performance... prizes that you specify
-Candy shop (like a serious candy shop with so many choices.  You walk in, pick up a bag, and fill it to your hearts content.)
-Old fashioned movies (on a reel)
-Cookie cart
-Modern Day Christmas movie playing in another area
-Typewriters to play with (Reagan loved this)
-Merry-go-round


It was insane.  And perfect for us.  It gave us Christmas in 4 hours at one work party.  The party was in the morning - so perfect for our young family.  The entire family had fun and it was all free.  I must say... it was SO MUCH FUN.  We have a family picture (from the photo booth) and kid pictures with Santa.  I can't forget to mention that when Santa asked Reagan what she wanted for Christmas she couldn't think of anything.  I don't know why but it made me so happy.  It  caught Santa off guard and made him laugh.  He then informed her that Christmas was less than two weeks away and he needed an answer pretty soon.  She was concerned about it after that but never could come up with anything she really wanted.  Ainsley asked for a guitar (he did bring her a guitar book so she and Reagan could share last years' guitar and this years' book) and Will wanted nothing to do with Santa. 

The best part was sharing it with good friends.  We really love the Morgan family and also loved hanging out with the Thill's at dance class.