Kiddie Christmas, Loras Style!

One of our very favorite holiday events continues to be the Loras College Kid's Christmas Party.  The Campus Ministry department puts this event on each year for the children and grandchildren of Loras' faculty and staff.  It's low-key, just the right amount of time for little ones, and a wonderful chance for them to see Santa (for free!) without fighting big crowds or long lines.  We've been so impressed each year we attend! 

 

 

 Dressed in the Christmas best and ready to play!

 

Santa Clause made his big entrance just shortly after we arrived.  Usually we lay back and wait for awhile before we get in line to meet him.  Last year though I remember I was cleaning icing off their faces, putting shoes back on, etc. so this year we kind of made a beeline for Santa and were the second ones to meet him.  Then, we had the photo op out of the way and I didn't care how messy the kiddos got.  ;) 

 

 MJ was first to sit on Santa's lap.  He was just slightly hesitant, but he didn't seem scared.  I think they were deep in conversation.  ;)

 

 Charlotte seemed like she was going to be okay with it until I sat her down and backed away.  This face is just priceless.  Of course I couldn't help but snap a quick pic before I scooper her back up. 

 

 Cooper's first time meeting Santa...aww!  He grabbed a hand full of beard that I had to pry out of his tiny little fingers.  He looks pretty cozy in Santa's soft, warm arms. 

 

 Cooper slept through the whole party...

 

 Santa gives each child a gift box full of goodies.  It's always a big hit! MJ was pretty thrilled if you couldn't tell!

 

The biggest hit for our kids was the balloon artist.  MJ stood in line to get a balloon for each and every member of our family.  He was proud to run over each time with a new balloon creation to give us.  Charlotte loved her heart balloon and ran all around playing with it.  She had so much static electricity by the time we left that her balloon just stuck to her without her even holding it. 

 

We're really thankful for this event and excited our kids had the chance to participate once again!