Ugly Sweater Party

 

We are so grateful to have such good friends and neighbors!

 

We often gather together during the year.. and if there is a reason to celebrate anything.. we do it.

The more time I spend with all of them.. the more they become like family.

 

We even have started "traditions" with many of these friends.. and I love it.

 

I adore them.

 

This year.. the Saddlers hosted the annual  "Ugly Sweater Party."

 

It was a ton of fun.

 

Taylor and Juliana

Drew and Ali

Kami and Ben

Makinzee and Mike

Cami and Matt

Clairesse and Brandon

Jake and Jen

Emily and Ryan ( our hosts )

Chad and I.

My ugly sweater came from a wealthy woman that I helped de-junk her house. 

 The woman hesitated to part with it.. because it was 100% angora.  She insisted that I take it.. and oh.. did I have plans for this puffy shoulder fuzzy 80's glamour.  It was a solid piece of ugliness.

 

Chads came from my Grandma Tenney's wardrobe.

  When she died.. I knew this sweater must live on to be worn for these parties. 

 I told my aunt Taffy what I was going to keep it for... and she said " I made Mom that shirt!"

That only added to the epicness of the shirt. 

 

Homemade goodness. 

Camille and Kevin.

 

  Camille won the ladies contest -- to me with that snowman romper and turtle neck. 

 I don't think you can get more epic.. than that.

 

********

 

We had dinner.. a variety of Soups, breads, and Salads. 

 Emily is a fabulous cook.. as are all of the other girls.. so we had loads of yummy food!

 

After dinner.. we played " Minute to Win it" ~ Christmas style.

The first game involved trying to get a red pom pom on your nose -- by swinging a string that was around your neck.  You couldn't use your hands.. and everyone had some Vaseline on the end of their nose.. to keep the red pom pom on it -- when you finally swung it on there.

It was hilarious to watch.. and many were successful!!

 

The second game.. had a empty Kleenex box tied around your waste and on your lower back.

It was full of 8 large Jingle Bells.. and you had to empty out the Jingle bells by moving/dancing/shaking around.

It was so funny and awesome watching everyone.

 

Poor Chad had to do this.. because of my back.

  I feel like an old lady sometimes.. having to bow out of so much fun stuff because of it. 

Boo!!!

I think Ryan was the most hilarious one -- with this game.

  I didn't even see most of it.. because I was laughing so hard.

 

The third game was the " Nut Stacker."

We were given a plate.. 8 large metal bolt ( nuts ) and a candy cane. 

 We had to stack all 7-8 nuts ( using the candy cane  to stack them with )  it was a lot of fun.. and took some skill and steady hands.  Their were many winners with this as well!

 

The final game consisted of a couple -- with 2 yard sticks.. and one had the end of the spool of ribbon.. and the other had to wind it up without using their hands. 

 Their was a lot of hip action going on with this game.  Again.. lots of fun!

 

 

We all brought a white elephant gift -- to exchange.. and we were laughing so hard at all of the clever presents that were given.

 

This is what Chad and I brought home.

 

Too funny!!!!

 

So grateful for such good friends.. and for Emily and Ryan for hosting such a fun night!

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

Chad joined Facebook last night!

 

The joys of this season.

 

Fun neighbors and friends

 

Traditions

 

All of my neighbor gifts, cards and packages are sent.  Ole!!