A Pleasant Party

I'm still finding it hard to believe that over 100 people kicked off the new WASH (Willmar Area Scholars at Home) year on Saturday.  We, as board members, thought we picked a winner when Bryce and Kim Holmgren agreed to host a potluck supper, games and a barn dance in their barn/reception hall, but we didn't realize it was SUCH a winner!  Half of the parents' faces were unfamiliar to me, though I'd heard or read most of the names, and of course I knew only a fraction of the kids.  I brought containers of Hershey's kisses and gently used homeschool resources for door prizes, and people seemed energized by filling out their drawing slips and putting on their name tags.  We didn't start eating until 5:45 because people kept dribbling in until 6:00 or even later, but the food tasted delicious and there was enough.  I visited with Stan and Chari Simon during supper.

After Daniel helped a bunch of young kids with bean bag tossing, myriads of boys played soccer (younger) and football (older), and girls found things to do all over the farm in little groups.  What a great location and environment!  Myron, the caller, started the dance a little after 7.  We enjoyed almost two hours of line dances, circle dances and square dances.  All ages could keep up.  I hope the connections made during the pleasant party will help people feel more comfortable attending the exciting events planned for this year by WASH.