Happy New Year 2015

There is just no denying that life becomes almost unrecognizable with kids.

Jeff and I were hyperaware of this fact as we drove past numerous stilettos, mini skirts and pre-drinking partiers on our way to McDougall United Church.

 "We spent New Year's Eve at a church "are words that I never imagined saying.

This is, of course, no ordinary church.

It is also known in Edmonton as a great concert venue.

So when we were deciding how to ring in 2015 at about 6pm on Dec 31st and this event showed up on a google search it sounded a little too good to be true.

 And it was.

The admission was a mere donation to the food bank and the line up was non-existent. 

Not only was the above set list full of talent, the basement was full of kids activities.

I was so proud of Fiona when she sat down to the colouring table and chatted with a few kids her age.

 The face painting was a welcome surprise...

 ...as was the toy selection.

There was also a weaving station, flower pot decorating and a penny toss.

 The kids even participated in a parade led by one of the performers.

Surprisingly, Fiona was stoked to stand up in front of all those people, not a hint of shy in her that night.

Cedric is still talking about his Spiderman face and has now taken to wearing a hand-me-down costume of the same {thanks Tessa}.

 We were even able to get the kids to sit for some music.

{The hot chocolate and cookies didn't hurt that endeavour.}

We didn't make it to the end but caught a few great acts and had a lot of fun.

 The beauty of this place gets me every time as does the comfort.

I was transported back to my childhood.

I have fond memories of Southwoods United and though church isn't a part of our lives now it still felt like home.

To cap off this wild evening I watched fireworks from the comfort of our attic while the kids slept and the husband watched a movie.

I hope you also had a great night and wishing you all the best in 2015.