The Block Party!

Last year we had a big party at our big office...this year all our friends begged for another party...I don't like to disappoint...but we had to switch the venue to our basement! Not very large...so we spent all week planning and preparing and baking...my cake...a tree in case you can't tell...not my best!

candy cane cookies. these were awesome! i loved them. sugar cookies without the baking powder. Then dye kneaded into part of the dough. then rolled and twisted together. I also added a little peppermint extract for a minty flavor. Delicious!

Carol and Holly and I decorated for the party...what can I say? our neighbors love tacky!

the kids on the street helped me all week make snowflakes and poinsettias. Those turned out beautifully as you can see.

getting the abundant nuts and seeds ready... a must at every Kurdish party!

cupcakes galore...they don't like frosting...so we tried to make them simple.

gotta have lots of fruit too. our napkins were a hodge podge find at the last minute...the napkins we thought were a cute blue and yellow ornament were actually the "evil eye." thanks Annie for pointing that out! not exactly the theme we were going for!

dancing maidens

cute girls

the first guests...going for the seeds

the house was packed! Carol did a smashing job sharing from the heart about why we have trees, lights, stars and candy canes. it was fun to research and learn more about our traditions.

the kids all sat quietly and listened as we told the age old Story

Tim and another friend read the story. We had children come up and open a little box to reveal a different character to set up on the scene.

The kids played outside amongst the shoes and decorated ornaments. We made clay stars for the kids to paint. They used up all the markers and glitter glue we own. My yard is now a joyful, glittery mess!

Then we played a White Elephant game...our neighbor Umed learning what a puzzle is! Not sure they are all that impressed.

Neighbor Eub discovering, much to his chagrin, that he just opened a present with a lady's sweater in it...he quickly tossed it to his daughter.

The after party...it was a HUGE success! The place was a disaster, but everyone left happy and smiling and even taking some of our Books that we gave out as gifts. Aram and Holly laying on the ground together talking over the night's highlights.

Our kids were so happy to get to stay up well past their bedtime. They were trying to color and be quiet as long as they could before I sent them upstairs.

Lavine giving Holly a lesson in how to color.

Nazila and Aram...mom and son...they heard the Good News...now what will they do?

Carol and Zilan chatting after a great night!

Aram gave up and fell asleep on the floor. I love these people.

I love this picture...it only took me throwing her up in the air a few times and them quick trying to pose for a picture to make her smile at the camera! It was a night we won't soon forget and I hope our neighbors and friends went away with burning questions in their hearts. I know the Book can answer more questions than we can.