The Family Program

Last year for Christmas my family put together a little program. The program is just for us, but there are so many of us that we thought it would be fun when we got together to sing a bit, play some games, and just enjoy one another's company. It went so well that we did it again this year. For the first time ever my entire immediate family, their spouses, and their children were all gathered together. For those of you counting that is my parents (2), the original kids (8), spouses (7), and grandkids (10) for a total of 27 people. We gathered at Jenn's house, (again, thanks Jenn) had another fabulous dinner (ask Jenn for her onion soup recipe!) and then the show started.

Angela and Micah made a great movie with Jenn's kids that depicted the long wait for winter to come. I should see if Micah has put it on youtube yet. I could not believe how well it had been put together considering they were still filming just the day before the program.

Nathan sang weird Al's song "The Night Santa Went Crazy." It was HILARIOUS! I laughed till I cried. It is so rare that we get to hear Nate really bust out in song, but I still think he is the best singer in our family. I so wish I had it on film for you, but that may just have to wait.

Jon and Val's little number fell asleep before she could perform, but Kyra performed for us nearly every day that we were there so we let her sleep on. Not that we could have woken her if we wanted to.

It was Kristy's first real Sauter gathering and she and Dave did an awesome version of "Mr. Grinch". It's great that Dave could marry someone so musical.

Elizabeth and Scott had to come up with something very last minute since their original plan got left in Washington. In the end they shared a version of "The Night Before Christmas" that had been altered to fit our politically correct times. It was a hoot.

Ben and Melissa boycotted participation and brought along a puppy to make us all forget that they didn't have anything to contribute to the show. Sly of them! Lucky for them, Lola is so cute and distracting.

Jenn's family did the same thing they did last year, and it was just as fun this time. They have these great chimes that everyone can play and when you go in turn you can make the most merry Christmas songs ever!

The night ended with a live Nativity done by the grandkids. Kate, the oldest, organized the whole thing. She did the casting (Avery was Jesus), the costumes, and she narrated the whole thing. Another very memorable night.