Church Christmas Party

Ava and I went to our Ward Christmas Party together, without Dave (since he had to work.) They had a "Around the World" theme and people were asked to bring main dishes from other countries. I had no idea what to bring (I don't do that much ethnic cooking other than a little Chinese) but I remembered a dish that we always ate as kids every Christmas, Cabbage Rolls! Either my Grandma or Aunt Cheryl/Lill would make them for the entire family. I tried once about 5 years ago to make them but it didn't go well. This year however; I found a new recipe online for Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls. This recipe (with a few tweaks of my own) was delicious, and I didn't even turn on the oven. They were a hit!

Ava all ready to go

Sitting down and waiting to eat

I forgot to take a picture of my Cabbage Rolls but this is what they look like

There was classic church talent, skits, songs, and more songs

All Ava was interested in was the TREE

This party was one of the most organized church Christmas party I have ever been to. We ate, had a short program, visited Santa, filled treat bags for the entire Suffolk zone Missionaries and cleared all table and chairs in 2 hours! That's my kind of party.

Ava has never sat on Santa's knee before. She always gets scared and clamps to your body whenever she gets sight of Santa, but this time I told her that "Big girls aren't scared, and that if she sat on Santa's knee and let me take a picture, she would get a treat." She believed me enough to get in line, but had to be reminded a few times just to stay in line. When it was finally her turn I had the camera ready (since I knew she would be lighting fast) I only had time for 3 pictures but the 3rd is my favorite. It's too bad a little cash couldn't have been spent on a real good looking Santa suite.

MEMORIES IN THE MAKING: FIRST TIME EVER TALKING TO SANTA

Check out her eyes! She can't believe it, her mama was right and she did get a treat from Santa. After that all she could talk about was how Santa came to church and gave her a purple candy cane. Such a Sweet Heart, maybe next year she won't be so scared.