Branch Christmas Party

I was in charge of the Branch Christmas Party.  With a lot of help from wonderful members of the branch it was a success.  I couldn't have done it alone.  We decorated with stars and poinsettias. We had a yummy ham and potato dinner.  Lots of food for everyone.  I have some pictures of the Nativity Program that we did. These animals were painted by a man in our branch.  He is a very talented artist (and does that for his living).

 This is one of the final pictures.  Joseph is tired and sitting.  I heard he did a little karate while waiting as well.  We had two wandering shepherds.  I guess that adds to the realness, right? The sheep look bored.

 The sheep may be bored, but they are pretty adorable!

 I loved this picture of our shepherd, Thomas.  Front and center.  He is a cute boy.  He took his part seriously and was one of the stars of the show.

At the end, we had a surprise visitor, Santa!!!  Wes got to be his helper to hand him treats out of his bag.  All the girls did well to sit on his lap and actually tell him what they wanted.  It hasn't always been that way.  Usually there were tears and silence.

Ashleigh telling Santa that she wants an Ariel doll with purple fins.

Kara told Santa that she wants an orange camera and a puppy.

Erin wants a puppy that can walk all by itself.

Janiel wants Santa to bring her bunnies.

Overall, it was very fun and successful. 
Then on Christmas Eve, this Santa came bursting though our door at home.  He talked to each of the girls, gave them a candy cane, and told them to go to bed so that he could bring their presents back.  More of that on another blog!