Tree Lighting Day!

December 7th was a very busy day for us. The kids and I got up in the morning and caught the 9:45 bus to post because rumor had it that Santa was arriving at 10. We caught up with my friend Alyssa and her son Tobyn on the bus, as there were supposed to be a whole bunch of us going to see Santa, turned out to be only us. Anyway we arrived at the Dragon Hill Lodge on post about quarter after 10, right on schedule. We walked in and it was decorated all nice for Christmas inside. And there was Santa, talking to a few people and then getting ready to make a mad dash into an off limits office. Alyssa and I figured he was taking a potty break and would be back soon. After a little while, and still no Santa we inquired at the desk. Turns out Santa was only making an appearance that day with no intention to stay and have munchkins sit on his lap. Whats even better is that he was not scheduled to come back for sitting and photos until Christmas Eve!

Ugg, how frustrating getting the kids dressed, fed and out the door on time to catch the bus only to walk around in a nicely decorated hotel. It turned out alright though, we got some good pictures, played on the little carousel and got to be on the play ground for a bit. Then we took the bus home so that the kids could nap, since later that day was a special story time and the neighborhood tree lighting!

Giulianna in front of some of the decorations.

Rhyon checking out some of the decorations too! The Big Tree is the Army Christmas tree, each ribbon has a different meaning, and the bottom was all coins from all the different branches.

Giulianna and Frosty

Well they found a Santa statue anyway!

My friend Alyssa and her son Tobyn.

Riding the merry go round, just killing time!

When we first got her Rhyon couldn't even get in there by himself, now he climbs in and out and enjoys playing inside!

We went over to story time that evening along with Christina and the kids and Laurie and her kids. When we got there Mrs. Thurman (the General's Wife, and same lady as at story time for Thanksgiving) was greeting everyone and the place was packed! All our usual Hannam Village friends were there too, as well as a whole lot of people I didn't know. I find it funny how even in our little community there are always faces in the crowd you don't know. I guess its kinda like High School, once you get a little group of regulars you kinda stay with them. Anyways, Mrs. Thurman and a couple other distinguished ladies each read the kids a story. They actually had almost all the kids attention. Then there was cookies and juice for all the kids. One the way out the door each kid got a present. I greatly appreciate this gesture except that the gift was a fairly heavy light up ball with like a liquid inside. There were balls rolling everywhere! Thankfully Christina brought a stroller and we stored all of our kids balls in the bottom. Giving a kid a new toy and then telling them they can not have it is never an easy argument to win!

This is what happens when I try to get a picture of them together...

At least Giulianna likes to pose for Mommy!

Thankfully they love their stools and were happy to sit long enough for me to snap some pics quick. Its also a good thing I have continuous snapping on my camera. This is one of only 2 good ones in about 20 frames!

Waiting for the stories to begin! Mrs. Thurman is in the middle.

It was a full house!

Rhyon actually listening!

Then he decided to play with his sisters hat. He finally got it on his head all by himself, the best part was it was backwards!

Giulianna is right in the middle, enjoying the story!

Right after the library we headed over to the area right outside our building since that is where the tree lighting was going to be. There is a traffic circle there which has trees in it, it is the main entrance to Hannam Village. Mike called me to let me know he had just gotten home and was changing and then headed down to meet up with us. A few members of the Army Band were there playing Christmas Carols. It was cold, but very tolerable. It was a good atmosphere and nice to see so many of our neighbors out. One lady was walking around recruiting people to get on the stage and sing a few carols. Laurie got recruited and took Avery, Ellie, Gavin and Giulianna along with her. The Boy Scouts sang a few tunes as well and then General Thurman assisted them with flipping the switch! A few minutes later a Yongsan Fire truck pulled up with Santa on board. Turns out Santa travels with Sparky the fire dog as well!

Family pic before the lights.

Christina's stroller, our rally point!

I just love this picture of Laurie playing with Ellie and her paci!

Soldier introducing the General, our distinguished guest.

"Mrs. Rachel, your camera is too bright!"

Getting ready to flick the switch...

Lights!!! So pretty!

Our "family" singers!

The recruited choir. They did a pretty good job!

Santa's Fire Truck!

Can you spot Santa?

Sparky!

Giulianna in front of the fire truck.

Giulianna had to pet Sparky. And so did I!!!

The Band

 By this time Laurie was done (keep in mind she was also 36 weeks pregnant at the time), and Rhyon was beyond cranky and had a dirty diaper, so they went in. Giulianna wanted to see Santa and he was actually gonna be sitting for pictures at the community room above the Commissary. Gavin and Grace also wanted to see the big man so Christina and I took the kids and waited in the line.

Gavin being silly in line while waiting for Santa!

Giulianna, Gavin and Grace

Giulianna sitting with the big guy, no problems persuading her this year!

Gavin and Santa, Gracie was not cool with Santa!

Gavin, Vladimier and Giulianna. These are HER boys!

When Giulianna and I got back home, we had a bit to eat, some hot chocolate and then got ready for bed. It had been a long day, that we unexpectedly in the end allowed us to fulfill our objective of a picture with Santa. Its always an adventure around here!