Christmas Party-ing

Friday was the girls' last day of school, so they BOTH had their school Christmas parties that day.

Of course, I had to help. Well.... I decided against helping with Brenna's so much. There were already a lot of volunteers and I was the only one at all coordinating, planning and preparing Brooke's party. So, there is only so much I can handle. Plus, I knew Brenna would need my help with some of her stuff and I didn't want to be tied up with my own activity.

So anyway, luckily, they weren't at the same time. So that morning started off with us heading out the door, like usual. I had already let Brooke give out her teacher presents earlier in the week, so that was done. I dropped her off at school, then took Brenna to school, delivered her teacher presents. I also for the first year, opted out of giving treat bags or something to all the kids in her class. I felt bad for not doing it. But just too much to do this year.

Then I went back to Brooke's school to take all the party supplies (early) and then to do my normal volunteer stuff. I left there by 9:30 and went straight back to Brenna's school to attend her party. First, while they were setting up they had the kids sit in a circle and sing all their Christmas carols. This time I got to listen! Here's a couple of short videos taken from my cell phone (again, they probably did 15 songs!...they are so cute!)...

Then they let them loose on the booths. And Brenna ALWAYS goes w the big kids. These girls are 8, 9 and 10 I believe. So seriously...the big kids. They love her to pieces (actually fight over who gets to play with her!) and she loves them as much! Its so cute!

making Gingerbread houses...

Brenna and her BFF, Reagan (she's 8)...

then they served a Christmas themed lunch and cupcakes...

making cranberry/popcorn ornaments or wreaths...

After we finished at Brenna's school, we went home and dropped everything off, took a potty break and headed to Brooke's school. I was supposed to be up there by 1:30 since their party started at 2:30. Again, I was the sole planner on this one. And there were very specific details that had to be done. For instance, they (each class) was told to have one food item (pizza, chicken nuggets, etc), one treat item (cookies or cupcakes), one craft or game, and one goody bag per kid. Whew! Fortunately I got enough donations from parents and enlisted the help of a couple of others to pick up pizza and shop with me beforehand!

So, back to the day of the party... I got there at 1:30, just as the kids were leaving to go into the cafeteria for the 4th grade program. (that was when I had the room to myself to decorate and set up) Of course, I had Brenna with me now, but lo and behold she again, wanted to go with the big kids and went in w Brooke's class to watch the program too! (she loved it! and loved having all the kids in Brooke's class 'take care of her') I snuck in one time to make sure she was ok (and of course she was!) and nabbed this picture. She's near the bottom of the picture (you can see Brooke in the white shirt and Brenna's blonde hair by the girl in the green shirt peaking over the kids)

Got everything set up just in time as parents were arriving and kids came back in the room!

And Brenna, again, settled right down with the big kids and felt right at home. And again, they loved her just as much!

Brooke and Carlie...

Brooke and Rhea...

Brooke and Addie...

The best principal ever! Mrs Happ!

And the best 1st grade teacher we could've ever hoped for, Mrs Taylor!

As we were leaving Brenna went and ASKED Coach Montes for a picture (he's like a celebrity to her I think :P)

Then we went home and started going through all the goodie bags and presents the girls made for mom and dad...

The girls had a LOT of fun and are so blessed to be at great schools with great teachers. Brooke was actually sad to leave school on Friday. I am so grateful for her fond experiences with her school. Now.... let the Christmas break begin (and my sanity be put to the test? ;P) !!!