What an excellent way to kick off the holiday season!

I have to confess, when the younger, more energetic side of GFORCE first mentioned that they really, really, really wanted to host a community Christmas party at the school to kick off Winter Break for the kids, those of us who are older and less energetic let out a bit of a groan.  It was at Walt and Maxine's community Halloween party that it was first mentioned.  We were helping out and the husbands were busy working on the Haunted House.  Founder's Day loomed before us in 2 weeks and we were up to our ears in that.  The thought of planning something just a month after Founder's Day was rather daunting and I couldn't speak for the other board members, but I wasn't sure I could keep up that pace.  Halloween party in October, Founder's Day in November and Christmas Parade and Party in December?  Agh. 

I am SO glad we decided to move forward with the idea because once again, Grizzly Flats showed us how receptive they are to the idea of getting together and having some fun!

The parade lined up by 1pm sharp and we had more entries than I expected!

Away we go down Sciaroni!

Gina Hill drove an expertly decorated dune buggy.

Joanne Meecham and her grandsons did a great job of Christmassing up their truck, CERT vehicles rolled right behind the kids walking at the front of the line leading things off, 4-H's truck was festive and fun and The Jingle Belles threw kisses (Hershey ones) to the people watching from along the roadside (I think I might have pegged a few people with the kisses --- sorry).

These are our "Wannabelles," who can grovel and beg and fetch and plead and please themselves into being true Jingle Belles some day when they are grown up.  Meanwhile, being the good (and cute) Wannabelle hopefuls they are, they laughed and waved (the princess wave that barely disturbs the air as one's hand gently moves side to side) and generally had fun, plus provided us with wonderful live music.

Since all Jingle Belles are named "Tammy," this is Tammy Marcia" in full on Jingle Belle mode (left) and WannabelleDelena.  Tammy Katrina is hiding behind WannabelleDelena, getting ready to accidentally peg someone else with a projectile kiss.

As we worked our way down Sciaroni, I saw Grizzly Flats Online's finest columnist, Jim Kirkhart, and his beautiful, gracious (and oh so patient) wife, Daryl, waving to us from alongside the road and that really warmed my heart.

The whole parade wound up with Santa, riding in style on a PVFPD engine with the magnificent Red Hat Ladies of Grizzly Flats.

The weather was so wonderfully kind to us!  Everything was totally clear until people were starting to leave the party when a light dusting of very pretty snow started to fall.

Once the parade ended up back at the school, we all went inside for cookies, cocoa and ornament making.  The kids had a blast at the ornament stations.  One of my sons was so intent on his ornament making that he didn't even realize Santa was in the other room taking orders from hopeful kids. 

My favorite photographer, Andrea Stevenson from Andie's Images, was on hand to snap professional shots for those who wanted them.

The Grizzly Pines Dancers showed us the moves they learned in their dance classes this year to the song, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen.

As we left the event, I truly felt the kick off of the holiday season and more than that, again felt profoundly blessed to live in this wonderful community. 

Our next endeavor is bringing BINGO to Grizzly Flats, which, with any luck, will hit around the end of January.   I could definitely do BINGO once a month!

Thanks to the Pioneer Volunteer Fire Protection District for their support of the parade.  Thanks to the Red Hat Ladies who always provide helping hands and smiling faces at our events.  Thanks also to CERT for their support and to all of the folks who participated in the parade. 

Lastly, we offer our eternal appreciation to Grizzly Flats for humoring GFORCE as we cook up these new ideas to try and have some fun.  You've been so good and welcoming to us and because of you, everything we've done so far has been an incredible success, beyond what we ever could have imagined.

This is truly a remarkable place to live!

I leave you this week with the best of holiday wishes from the Jingle Belles (Tammy Marcia - left - and Tammy Katrina - right) and a few more happy photos from the party (below).

Cookies went fast!

Nathan wearing my Jingle Belle hair

Tammy Marcia's butt got out of control and knocked over Santa's candy cane stash, so Lynn scooped them up before anyone saw (except me with my camera, meaning everyone in Grizzly Flats can now see.  Bwahahaha).