Olsen Family Christmas Party

 We were lucky to be able to plan the Olsen Family Christmas Party when Russ & Catherine and the kids were in town so almost the whole family was there.

We started off  with a dinner of my favorite Christmas food--including Clam Chowder and my Grandma Olsen's raisin filled cookies (delivered in the mail just in time for the party),

  After dinner we had a family talent show.  Russ & his family did a great performance the 12 days of a Texas Christmas.  The Witbecks did a story about Christ and then sang the cult favorite "Washing machine is washing me clean".  The Lichfields sang Ellie's favorite song "Santa Claus is coming to town".  Caroline sang "Silent Night", Carter played "Christmas Cheer" on the piano, and Alex showed his piano skills as well (freeform).  We tried to get Aaron to sing "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam", but he is not a fan of on demand performances.  Somehow, Grandma and Grandpa got out of performing...we will have to remember that next year.

 After the talent show we had the kids white elephant exchange..... white elephant gifts and kids never seem to go over well--I think next year everyone will just bring a candy bar or something similar...  less emotional drama that way.

 The expression on Carter's face is perfect--exactly what most of the kids felt about the gift they got.

The adults then did their while elephant exchange--it was pretty funny.  The best (worst) gifts were the Twilight Edward barbie (with vampire sweetheart candy) and a prince cd.

The adults finished just in time for the arrival of our favorite party guest....Santa!

 

 

 

A few of my favorite pictures that Matt took at the party

 We couldn't believe how much Parker had grown in the 4 1/2 months they were gone!

 I feel like I should find that picture of Russ when he was 3 with his cowboy boots and pop gun.

Caroline and her favorite Aunt Shanna...ok really, I think she likes her better than anyone else, period!