Dec5: Ward Christmas Party and a Fun Surprise

Dec 5 was our ward Christmas dinner! We had "christmas morning" in the evening and had breakfast for dinner! It was really cool and we all had a good time. Of course Santa came to visit. Clint and I got a kick out of it, cause he was played by our friend, Marshall Miller. It was great to see him all dressed up. With his squinty eyes and rosy cheeks, he fits the part pretty well. :)

Carson wasn't so sure about the whole Santa thing... as you can tell! Emma loved it! Lily sat in front of Santa for a long time and watched the other kids go. I didn't think she'd get up there at all, but then all of a sudden she stood up and climbed right up on his lap... yes, cutting in front of all the other kids in line. haha. Everyone was pretty nice about it and the parents looking on thought it was pretty funny. She didn't care about ringing the bell santa had, but sure loved the candy cane he gave her afterwards. haha.

Now, don't think Santa was the "surprise" I talked about in the title of this post....

This is....

My friend, Dia's, husband has been gone to boot camp and training school for the military since August 18th. He came home a week early and surprised his kids at the ward dinner! It was so cool, and I even got a little emotional (totally not planned). I actually knew he was coming cause Dia and I and her sister, Britney walk every morning together and we've been talking about it. But it was still sooo cool to see the kids reactions. I love Dia and think she is so great and it was soooo fun to see their family together again!! (check out Dia's brother in law, Howard, trying to duck out of all the pics. haha. No luck, Howie)