Santa Party!!

Today was the 5th annual Santa Party, where Santa makes an early stop at Grandma and Grandpa's house to spread some holiday cheer, encourage the kids to continue with their best behavior and, of course, give them each a little present.  Most of those in attendance are Liv and Joe's cousins, along with their parents and grandparents and some friends from church and Liv's former school.

By now, everyone knows the routine: get to the party house, play, eat, sing Christmas songs and wait for the big guy to show up.  Everyone was SO excited. Except Joe, who opted to stay on the sun porch playing with his toys while the rest gathered in the living room for Santa's arrival.  (Gotta give the boy credit, there was no competition for toys, so maybe HE was on to something.)

Finally Santa arrived with bells jingling and carrying overflowing bags of presents.  He spent some time with each child , led everyone in a Christmas song and then got down to business.  It is amazing how for Joe Sung Min has come in the past year.  Check out his picture with Santa last year - and how much better he was this year (granted, he didn't get as close, but hey, baby steps.)

One by one, each child was called up as Santa's assistant, Camille, picked their present out of the bag. Liv enjoyed her time with Santa, although I was surprised how nervous she was around him. He assured her that he knew where our new house in the country was and that he couldn't wait to see all of her animals.  That put her mind at ease.  

The kids were all SO good, waiting patiently until everyone received their presents from Santa before ripping them open to see what was inside - and then excitedly playing with each others new treasures.  It was another wonderful evening thanks to Grandma, Grandpa and, of course Santa.  We can't wait until next year's!

Grandma was happy to have all her grandkids at the party this year. :)