Holiday parties

Brendan's kindergarten class celebrated the holiday season with a party Thursday. Really, it was a regular day disguised with holiday-like activities, with a bonus movie to end the day. I was able to attend thanks to a day off and a helpful, last-minute sitter.




Activities included making a house out of graham crackers, frosting, M&Ms, and wafers; bean-bag toss with chocolates as a reward; ornament-making center; creating snowflake frames; and a fun, thrilling game of musical chairs that was highlighted by Mrs. Benedict's attempt to step over the chairs to stay in the game. She was out, but the children thought she was rather funny.

Brendan measures oatmeal and glitter for his reindeer magic food.

Brendan enjoys a treat -- ice cream! -- after all of the party activities.

On Friday, we welcomed the Newmans and Galloways for our own children's Christmas party. With eight children ranging in ages eight weeks to 5 years, I wasn't sure we'd keep everyone entertained. But they all seemed to have fun. Our activities: decorating stockings with foam stickers, decorating sugar cookies and eating M&Ms. I think Ellie, Ryan and Cara most enjoyed eating the M&Ms! We also exchanged small gifts. The boys were delighted to get some new Play-doh and accessories. It's kept us busy all morning!

Ryan, Kelsey and Brendan wait with anticipation for our guests to arrive.

The children decorate sugar cookies, baked in shapes of snowflakes, trees, and gingerbread men. Ryan's cookie was most interesting: no frosting but a bottle of green sprinkles dumped on top. Cara (front, right) was most careful with her decorating and created two beautiful cookies.

Ellie (right) decorates her sugar cookie while Kelsey looks on.