Fun Christmas Parties

We had a riot of 2 fun parties yesterday! Our ward party was off the hook. The food and decor and PJ dressed guests was fabulous. I hadn't showered in a few days (wanting to preserve the professionally styled 'do for a few days) and so I showed in my home PJs (jeans). The funny thing is I got home and put back on PJ pants (andy's of course). It was quite catching and looked so comfortable. Anyway, then the kids put on a great and peaceful nativity (the pictures did not turn out, for the flash was not great enough I guess, sigh, someday). Then we had some friendly competitions. The different quoroms took turns pulling Bishop Hall "Santa" on his "sleigh" (a blanket). It was hilarious. Luckily, Bishop Hall is young and slight. The winning time was about 9.75 seconds (to the end of the gym, around a cone, and back) by the Young Men. The Young Women were 2nd with 10.something. Then there were a few more games including filling up hose with small balloon we had to blow up and then someone putting the "antlers" on their head and leading "Jingle Bells" & racing to put random things in "Santa's bag" (temple recommend was found most quickly by a YM, isn't that impressive!). Then Santa came. The kids were in awe and got a great goodie box of stuff. PJ didn't want anything to do with him. It was awesome.
Pictures here
Then we rested, watched the snow, Holden went to a swimming birthday party, and Owen & Dad went sledding, while P napped and I hung out on facebook & e-shopped.

In the evening, AK & I attended the fantastic Taylor Christmas party. The food was fantastic (yummy Salmon!), we had a good gang circle in the den, and fabulous entertainment. The boys, JB, Paul E., and AK, who had helped clear out the furniture the night before (it took about 30 minutes tops, but they were there until 1:30 or so!) and recorded a song "It's Christmastime" based on the tune and mannerisms of "It's Business Time" by the Flight of the Conchords. They had a lot of set-up going on, keyboards (AK's gig), amps, and microphones, so the wives (Amy, Hill, & I) nervously giggled and secretly hoped it would be worth it. It was. It was hilarious and I so wish we would have recorded it and I would totally show you, it was really fantastic. The lyrics were hilarious and it was quite a performance. Other talents included a nose whistling family, a sextet"Baby It's Cold Outside", a great piano solo, a beautiful violin, voice, piano number (I can't recall the name, The Infant Child???), and of course Erin's amazing 'O Holy Night', and of course all the caroling/singing along led by the Taylors and played by Stephanie. I brought my camera (of course) but I left it in my coat!!! I already regret it. Susan always takes photos, we'll have to see...

Now I feel like decorating our "lights only" Christmas tree.