Operation Santa Claus!

 Here they come! The sound and thwump thwump of the blades says Santa and his elves are on their way! No reindeer this time......

 Santa needed to offload several boxes and there was no space on this first flight sponsored by Sikorsky, owner of the BlackHawk helicopters out of North Carolina. This first landing brought photographers and volunteers from the National Guard, Sikorsky, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Fred Meyers, and with goods donated from all of these organizations. It was cold, maybe ten below straight temp, 30 with wind......!

 And off they went to go get Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Goodies to unpack and sort.

 Thwump, thwump and here they are, bless their hearts! They were such good sports.

Students were lining the windows in their rooms and the news spread that Santa was on his way!

 The community was asked to wait in the hallways until the Clauses arrived and the students could get settled into the gym.

 The Clauses made their entrance to the singing of Jingle Bells and after waving and ho ho'ing to all, quickly took their seats and got down to business. The youngest got started. All children received a gift wrapped package from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

 Not everyone was real happy to see Santa.

 These were two AMAZING people. They were so patient with all of the children and incredibly gracious. Don't they just look like they should be painted and put in The Night Before Christmas?

 While waiting, students were able to line up for ice cream sundaes. Everyone had lots of opportunities to practice please and thank you.

This man taking photos was the representative from Sikorsky. He said these trips are the most popular for the volunteers. They have drawings to see who will be able to make it.

 Besides the gift wrapped package, students were able to choose a book,

                                                                     and a goodie bag.

 Everyone got to sit on Santa's lap (poor Mrs. Claus, I thought I was going to break her!).

                                        25 years later, I still get to see and visit with Marlin!

 After about two hours it was time for the Clauses to fly away, so the Black Hawk thwumped in. We ran out to take more photos. It was very, very cold with the wind getting stronger.

 I think this fellow actually tried to wave us back, but eventually just waved at us. When the helicopter lifted off, we on the ground had no idea what kind of power was created with those props. Kids were knocked over, I had to turn away and kneel down to stay upright. Holy Cow!

Huge gratitude to those that made their way out on such a cold day and so far away. The children and community were thrilled. Fred Meyers left behind coats for all of the children. Thank you to the National Guard out of Eagle River!