Christmas Festivities

We're back from our party filled week in Edmonton where Chelsea and Dayven graciously let us stay with them for the week! The fun began on Thursday when we took the kids to a Christmas Party where they enjoyed a pancake breakfast, crafts, sing-a-longs, and of course Santa stopped by as well. Aniela did not like the idea of sitting on Santa's lap and was quick to put her arms out with a cry of desperation for "mama". It didn't help that it was past nap time and Aniela was on the verge of a breakdown anyway!

"I don't know about this santa guy"

Josh and Aniela have fun with crafts

Wyatt and Aniela pay close attention during sing-a-longs

Then on Thursday night we went out to dinner with the CAT global mining department to celebrate a successful year. It was nice to have a night out with adult conversation and good food. Not to mention a good break from making it through the kids party earlier in the day!

Friday morning we got Wyatt and Aniela out of the house and went to the local Rec center where they had an indoor play ground. Both kiddos had fun on the jungle gym, going down the slides, and climbing around the mats. They played so hard that Aniela was willingly ready to go home without a fuss.

Aniela loves going down the slide

On Friday night was the official office Christmas party. We were able to get out our fancy clothes again and were even picked up at the front door by a "party bus" so that we could have a few drinks without worrying about driving home. The bus worked out perfectly considering many of the families live in the same neighborhood. We had a great time mingling, eating, and taking advantage of a night without the munchkin!

Dorothy, Chelsea, and myself on the party bus

At the Christmas party

Dayven and Charlie reluctantly smiling for the camera!

We headed home on Saturday in a semi-comatose state from all the good food, rich desserts, and late nights. No rest for the weary though as the fun continued on Sunday at a Children's Christmas Party thrown by the Caterpillar dealer up here in Fort Mac. The whole event was centered around kids and we enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers, fries, chicken fingers and mac and cheese. Santa also made an appearance and Aniela's second attempt with Santa was just as bad as the first...if not worse. She refused to even leave my arms so I had no choice but to sit next to Santa in order to get a picture. Now that I think about it I think it's my first picture with Santa!

Opening a gift from Santa at the Finning Children's Party

We could have used one more day to the weekend to unwind and take a breather but wouldn't miss all the festivities for the world. I still can't believe Christmas is just around the corner..we better get busy making our Christmas cookies!!!