a country chirstmas

Let me set the stage for this post. Since being married we've only been in 1 ward that had a "real" Christmas party... & it was a pretty lame one at that, so when we heard that the ward we're in now was planning a "real" Christmas party at our Bishop's family barn,we were pretty excited to check it out!

As the day was approaching it sounded like it would be a lot of fun, but would be the most fun for kids. Bummer. No kids here, what are we to do we thought?! I know, let's have my sisters kids come with us so Amber & Burke can go on a date, or Christmas shop or something exciting & kid free! Perfect!

I went & picked up the kids, I was running late, but we got them in the car & hit the road. I had to stop by my house to change & meet Clint. Of course there was a car accident a stones throw from my neighborhood entrance so I got stuck in some traffic. When we arrived I realized 2 of the 4 kids had fallen asleep. I didn't sweat it because it was the babies so I knew a nap might be just what they needed. Back in the car & on our way we head out to the barn... in the middle of well, farm land!! lol! So I talked to the kids off & on the whole way, sang Christmas songs with them & talked to them about what Santa might bring them this year


We arrived at the farm & to my surprise ALL of the kids had fallen asleep! Tyler & Halle woke up when I stopped the car but Brooklyn & Carson were out for the long haul! I was preparing for a miserable night because most kids are big grumps when woken up from a doze in the car.

Thankfully, after we got them in the cold air they perked right up! The kids had a great time & especially loved the bonfire. I was thankful for it because it was freezing that night! We had the best smoked ham & turkey... whoever made them should sell them, they were among the best I've had. Ever. The kids loved the ham & I swear could have kept eating it all night if I let them! haha!

Our bishops wife prepared a wonderful & entertaining program with the primary kids & we patiently awaited the arrival of a special guest. I figured when the last song ended in would walk Santa. Oh boy was I in for a treat! They tell us to head outside the barn & look up. Sure enough around the top corner pops a crane with a lit basket on it & there we see Santa, arriving in style. He laughed & merrily said Ho Ho Ho, he even put his hand on his stomach & moved around as he was saying it just as Santa Clause would do.



















The kids were in awe, I have to admit I thought it was pretty dang clever myself, & definitely unforgettable! The kids all wanted to go talk to Santa & give him a hug... we made our way through the crowd & did just that, quickly. There were so many kids & it was freezing remember. We decided the best course of action was to head out & get the kiddies home & in warm p.j.s.

The entire way home the kids took turns pointing out "Christmas lights on house", as Carson would say. They also all took turns taking little naps again, haha mind you the barn wasn't more than half an hour from their house, I guess they just got worn out! It was a fun night! I'm glad we went & even more glad we brought the kids!

{Poor Halle Kate! We forgot a blanket or jacket for her, luckily my jacket was just the ticket, she was such a trooper!}