Last week

we had an opportunity to attend a very unique type of holiday party.  As Peter was on an unaccompanied tour at the time the event was first mentioned, I thought it would be appropriate for us to attend.  I double-checked that our attendance would be allowed regardless of his status (since it could feasibly change just prior to the event) and I was given the thumbs-up to send in our information.

An invitation soon followed and before we knew it, Tuesday, December 14th arrived and we found ourselves scrambling to get ready and downtown in time for the celebration.  We pulled the girls out of school early (worth it, in our opinion), got onto Route 50 and within 15 minutes (about 45 minutes EARLY) arrived at Main State to find no parking whatsoever.  Peter had decided to come with us and run a few errands, so either way we needed a spot that did not expire at 4:00 p.m. We decided to take one last swing up C Street and miracle of miracles, a limo driver stopped in his tracks and waved us over to the ONE spot facing Main State that was open and not in a tow-away zone after 4 o'clock.  We thanked the driver profusely…almost as if he knew I had a sleepy toddler and a bum arm and no way of walking the Little Guy for several blocks (the stroller thing just doesn't work or expend enough energy for him).

We angled the car in just so, bumped into a long-time FS friend as we were doing so and then decided to brave security (ironic, eh?) sooner rather than later.  Within 10 minutes, we were with many others waiting for our elevator ride to the reception room.  

At approximately 3:15 p.m., we began to move slowly but surely upstairs.  We registered, stopped at the coat check and took the short trip to a winter wonderland.  The entire floor was gorgeous and one room was filled with holiday treats for the younger set.  Upon wandering inside the main reception area, the gingerbread house table hosted a "Christmas boot" (as Nicholas called it) decorating area* and there were delicate sandwiches and drinks (sodas and such) aplenty.  

We wandered back and forth between the rooms (after having toured the whole floor) and enjoyed healthy snacks as well as incredibly rich hot cocoa.  Rudolph (yes, as in the Red-Nosed) was also in attendance and waved several times, but Nicholas kept a good 12 foot distance.  He likes the idea of Rudolph and Santa, but still has very little interest in say, shaking a paw or sitting in a lap.  

The highlight of the day was the opportunity to hear the Secretary of State speak.  Her office hosted the party from the words spoken by the Secretary as well as other guest speakers, to the ballet, to the gourmet treats (particularly the "candy bar"), it was an afternoon we won't long forget.   Kelsey had been initially reluctant to go (I had to drag the girls out of school…I would have been thrilled to miss classes at either age!), but once we were there, they didn't want to leave.  Both girls loved listening to the Secretary, and Kelsey was particularly excited as a class discussion had centered on Secretary Clinton just one week prior to the reception. 

Photo ops with the Secretary were numerous, though the quality of mine is dubious.  Guess who's camera (the ole point and shoot) died in the middle of the afternoon?  Yep, you know what's on my Christmas list…well, maybe next year's.

We probably long over-stayed our welcome, but enjoyed meeting up with long-time friends, as well as others whom I had met only via email.  We slowly but surely made our way downstairs, found Peter, gathered our coats and headed out into the blustery and cold  evening.  It was a long afternoon and my first outing with the kids (on my own) since the surgery.  I was exhausted, but so thrilled to have a chance to really get out and see people.  More to the point, the party had the flavor of an Embassy Christmas/holiday party which we really miss attending.  A bit bigger than those attended in the past, but cozy at the same time and will not soon be forgotten.  Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard on the event…a hit in our books!

 

*It was a little ornament decorating section and Nicholas chose a stocking or "Christmas boot."  Fabulous idea, as was the candy bar, to give the kids a creative outlet and a bit of a treat.  There was nothing sweeter than watching Nicholas delicately spoon 5 M&Ms and a lollipop into his treat bag and wander off, thrilled with his 'loot'.  Oh, and yes, the last picture is my favorite!