Independant Stave Christmas Party

This weekend was Scott's annual work party. Independent Stave is the "DADDY" company that owns Mo Mulch, as well as NF Wood Products, a few mill and wood companies in Salem, Bunker, and Lebanon. This party is held at Tan-Tar-A, for all of the Missouri companies. The company is very generous in throwing this party. Hundreds of employees and their families are invited, We are given early check in, as well as bowling passes, water park tickets, and drink coupons. Santa comes for a pic, and brings gifts for all of the kids. The toys are great, and very age appropriate.

In addition to all the freebies, we have a lovely awards ceremony, dinner and dance, followed by a huge brunch the next morning.
We arrived just in time to take a quick swim. The pool was absolutely frigid, so we jumped into the hot tub for a little swim. After we headed back to our cabin/suite. We laid around and enjoyed changing channels on a tv, that offers more than 4 stations, and then got ready for the big evening. First stop was the bar, and a visit with Santa. Jay talked to Santa, completely changed his list.... way to stress mom out some more... Oh well, Christmas morning will still be great!

Before the party, we went to the bar, for a drink. Jay got a kiddie cocktail, and was super excited about the tiny sword, that came with a cherry in his drink. Early in the evening his sword broke, but luckily there is a bar everywhere you turn, and we ordered a sprite with another cherry and sword!

Our annual shot, taken by the tree at Tan-Tar-A. This tree is absolutely gorgeous. As we were headed back to the room, we asked one of the nice bellhops to get a pic of the 3 of us. We have one every year, minus last year. We missed the party due to a fire at MO Mulch. After looking at this, Scott and I decided that we are really starting to look old!

This was taken out our window. I hope you can see all that I am trying to capture.

This morning, as we were getting ready for brunch, I looked out our window to see steam rolling off the lake. The high today, in Osage beach was fore casted to be 4 degrees. It was dang cold, and we felt it walking up hills to the main building. It amazes me, each time I am there, at the hills they built such a huge resort into.

As you can see, it was a great time. Scott really is fortunate to work for such a company. Can't imagine a School district ever coming close to this, let alone giving us a stinkin' Christmas card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!