Kick Off to Christmas (4th Annual)

There's nothing like cleaning up from cooking for three days for Thanksgiving- just to cook again and set up all of the household Christmas decorations in one evening.  

This year was our 4th annual Kick Off to Christmas Party.

Miriam flew in for a few weeks mainly for this evening (and Thanksgiving) and I just don't know what I would do without her.  I told her this year that if there is ever a time she is unable to come, I may have to go on strike and hire a caterer.  It was so much work- but having her there was like having 8 extra arms.  She is like a one woman army! 

One of the best parts (second only to the mounds of treats that Miriam makes) is all of the wonderful family and friends that come to share in this time with us.  We originally started it because we had family for Thanksgiving and wanted to have them for Christmas too, so as soon as Thanksgiving night came, we were busy as elves getting ready for the Christmas party the next day.  

Isn't Kale's Russian Christmas apron cute? I saw it and just knew she needed to have it. 

 Let's be honest- she could wear a trash bag and STILL look good! 

Awww!  The newly weds.  Danny and Raven drove 14 hours from Washington to be here.  

We're so glad they did!  We love Raven and she fits perfectly right into this loud, crazy family. 

Having the kids' "Nemo" here is the best gift they could ever ask for! 

As always, Chase plans the perfect entertainment.  This year it was a magician and the kids loved every second of it.  You can see by their faces- they kept saying, "How'd he do that?!"

Grandma has a magic coin in her hand!...

...and Grandpa has them in his nose! 

Right before this we played the Left and Right game with this group of over 20 adults and 15 kids.  There was so much noise and commotion- so this picture makes me laugh.  You would never know that just moments before this, they were NOT this quiet. 

Just in case you didn't know- she's the baby whisperer. 

There were so many cool tricks! 

Even some tricks for the older crowd.  

The evening was filled with good food, wonderful friends and family.

It was truly MAGICAL.

After most everyone left, the boys got together and couldn't wait to pull out the drums.  Having a professional drummer there got everyone in the mood to groove.  

*Video of boys drumming*

So until next year- when we're running around cooking and cleaning and decorating like crazy people, remind me just how much fun we had tonight and it will make every second worth it! 

Merry Christmas Season!