Dutch Christmas

On Saturday, we spent a good part of the morning getting ready for our annual Dutch Christmas celebration. Kudos to Jodie for making the arrangements and hatching the plan. Our festivities began with the annual Children's Storybook Cavalcade on Main Street in Cedar City. I got this shot of Alyssa, wrapped in a blanket because she insisted it would not be cold enough for a coat. Of course a girl from the North Country has thick blood, and it was probably in the mid-forty's in the sunshine, but every time the breeze blew, you were reminded of what the calendar says.



I couldn't get Dallin to cooperate for a photo, but he was also there to see the parade.



Here is Ducky John, ready for some fun. It was a great day to be in Cedar City.



I couldn't resist a few photos of some of the characters that we know are favorites of family who could not be in attendance. These three guys posed for a shot, and we thought of our Jake who just read this book.



Of course everyone loves Dora, and she was resplendent in her backpack.



Dopey looked great and was actually in the parade several times. He gave all of our kids a wave and smile.



Rudolph even stopped by for a high five and a wave. The parade gets better every year, and I could tell that the little ones really enjoyed this year's version.



My photos of the actual Dutch Christmas celebration are spotty. I was spending too much time helping with the meal. I did get this photo of the group playing with the giant ball that Josh brought along. They enjoyed this.



One of the games required that everyone take off their shoes. Of course that was Miss Evelyn's cue. She does have a serious interest in shoes, and socks. Here she gives her most winning smile as I catch her trying on everyone else's shoes. She was more entertaining than most of what was going on.



One happy photo of Mom and Little Girl. I just love the way Evelyn throws her head back and gives it her best smile.



Uncle Jim told an unabridged version of Sinter Klaus and Swarte Pete. His delicacy in telling certain parts, like the race of Pete, was much appreciated by some.



This final photo shows Sint's White Horse, played by Kat, Sint himself, that's Josh's Eric, and a lively Pete, played by Cado. It was a grand evening, enjoyed by all who participated. Thanks to Jodie for setting it all up. Our family is so big now we will likely always have to use a cultural hall for these occasions.

Buboppy