Insanity and excitement filled our house when our friends from church told us they were going to put on a Fezziwig Christmas Ball. The ball would be based on the one that takes place in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and would feature period entertainment and dancing.

So we were soon whipping around, making new outfits, remaking old outfits, and borrowing things from anyone who could spare. We managed to get together quite an ensemble, and everyone was happy with their concoctions.

We managed to get a last minute invitation for my Pa's sister Cari, and stayed up till ten the night before whipping up her costume. It was a blast to have her along.

The big day came at last and we spent a glorious seven-hour party feasting, playing charades, re-enacting The Christmas Carol, and of course Dancing! (I apologize for the lack of dance photos; my Pa - who is official photographer - danced every dance :)

It was an absolutely glorious day!

The night before the ball: Pa shaved his beard for regency sideburns, and at one point looked so much like Mr. Mantalini (Tom Hollander) from the movie Nicholas Nickleby that we had to take his picture.

For those of you who haven't seen the film, Mr. Mantalini is a broke fop who threatens to kill himself if his wife doesn't forgive him. :)

The morning of the ball: Katherine watched us all curling our hair and felt left out, so Lydia did a bit of hers, even though Kate's hair is already naturally curly. Isn't she cute?

Here's two gorgeous pictures of A. Cari in the ensemble we put together for her the night before. We sewed gold ribbon on the high-waisted gown, filled the neckline in with netting, and put a red strap across the front of the pelisse. Doesn't she look lovely?

Pa was absolutely thrilled with his regency attire..:)

The Flynn children before the ball:

Back row: Amanda (me), Rebekah, Lydia, Anna, Aidan.

Front row: Shannon, Katherine, Susannah, Maggie.

A sweet shot of Shannon, Kate, and Susannah. Aren't they precious?

Pa with his nine children:

Back row: Lydia, Me, Anna, Pa, Rebekah, Aidan.

Front row: Shannon, Susannah, Maggie, Katherine.

Two Lovely Ladies...and a Gent!

a.k.a Me, Pa, and Rebekah.

Mom and Pa is complete Regency attire.

The whole clan!

Back row: Me, Lydia, Rebekah, Mom, Pa.

Front row: Anna, Kate, Susannah Shannon,, Maggie, Aidan.

Aidan (as Tiny Tim) and Pa.

At the ball:

Mom chatting with Madamé Thomas.

Our family table. The usually large room was small when crammed with 100+ people at 20 tables.

Rebekah and I enjoying the festivities (although my expression looks like I am not :).

Susannah playing with the cracker she got as a favor. What a sweetheart!

Shannon having some fun. Isn't she precious?

Lydia and Cari (who were dance partners at one point) enjoying the glorious exercise provided by English Country Dancing.

A lovely profile of Cari. We were so glad she was able to come, she added so much to the party! She was our best charader!

A sweet photo taken just seconds after Rebekah and I were arguing and giving each other playful shoves. You never would have known it, would you?

Melanie listening wide eyed to a piece of spiteful and juicy gossip that Rebekah is passing on.

By the way, I'm just kidding :).

Cari, Melanie and I were talking so nicely when Cari had to look over her shoulder and spoil the picture!

Melanie, Melissa, Cari, and Me. You wouldn't think that Cari's my "almost 30 year old" aunt, would you? She fits right in with us young'ins (in looks and personality. She's so much fun!).

Cari, Me, Rebekah, Lydia, and Anna lining up for a last photo.

Or, we could be the 5 Bennet sisters! Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia (although they don't fit some of our personalities very well).

I reveal the deep dark secret of my dancing shoes (which gave me blisters, by the way)!