Battallion Christmas Party

On December 16th we had Mike's Battalion Christmas Party at the Dragon Hill Lodge. We were the first ones to arrive and when we got there they weren't even fully set up! We weren't early either. After about 10 minutes people started trickling in. There were 3 tables full of "gifts" for everyone to take at their leisure such as video games, DVD's, wine glasses and flag pins. They had a photographer there taking photos if you wanted, so we decided to do that while we were all looking our freshest. He did a nice job and got a great Family shot for us.

The festivities officially started with the cutting of the cake with a sabre! Then they did some raffle drawings. The battalion had been given lots of various items from sponsors as well as used their own funds to buy lots of various items. Mike was actually one of the purchasers of some of the stuff, as well as the guy in charge for paying the bill for this event. They gave away an I Pad, DVD players, video game systems and games, etc. One company donated round trip airline tickets to the states and another 1,000,000 won travel voucher.

Our Family Photo.

The kids loved the decorative fire place. It made the room so much more festive too!

The best shot I got of Mike and the kids.

Major Magee and CSM Curry cutting the cake.

We had a nice buffet dinner, and spent some time in the kids activity room making crafts. Then Santa came and brought gifts for all the kids. Of course Giulianna wanted to see Santa so we got in line. She got 2 DVDs and the Little Mermaid soundtrack. When it was Rhyon's turn, I tried putting him on Santa's lap and he did the typical little kid screaming fit. He got his gift anyway, a sing along DVD and a toy tank. Once we got out of the line Rhyon kept on going over to look at and study Santa, but from at least a 5ft distance. He was really funny.

Talking to Santa

Getting her gift.

Rhyon did not want to sit on Santa's lap! I love horrified Santa and kid pics though!

Opening their gifts from Santa.

Rhyon preferred to view Santa from a distance!

There was then a short performance by a few Korean performers. They were very good. It was a bit strange though to hear traditional Korean instruments play Christmas music, especially when they played Feliz Navidad! Then the Honor Guard sang their own rendition of the 12 days of Christmas, followed by random people around the room getting picked to sing the traditional version of the 12 days of Christmas. After the music they did more drawings. I really wanted to win the I Pad, but twas not my luck. However we did win not one but two drawings! The first thing we won was a BMW!!! Unfortunately, only the kids will be driving it. Rhyon loved it right away and didn't want to let it go once he knew it was his. Then a few minutes later we won again, this time a Gerber Multi-tool. It was a great evening. I got to meet a few new people as well as just hang out with some I don't get to see often.

Rhyon checking out his new wheels!

On the drive home, the Holiday lights were all up on Itaewon, and I remembered to take some pictures.

I love the falling snow effects lights!

(The UN CLUB is one of the off limits establishments for Military.)

When we got home we tried to get Giulianna to get a nice picture of Mommy and Daddy since we were dressed up and that rarely happens. This one is not to bad.

Laurie also had her baby on the morning of the 16th. I didn't get to see him until the following day, and he is deserving of his own post. So keep an eye out for another post very soon!