Christmas 2008

This was our first Christmas here and what a fun time it was! Dave and Eloise came up to help us celebrate. One of the first things we did was go to DC for the day. It was a beautiful day......but extremely cold. The first thing we did was go to the Museum of American History. It was such a great museum! We were there for several hours. Then we went to the National Gallery of Art and saw the Pompeii exhibit. We ate an early supper and went over to the National Christmas Tree.

Eloise is freezing!!
Todd and I outside the Willard Hotel. It was beautiful. We also walked through the lobby....gorgeous.
The National Christmas Tree.
On Tuesday, we went ice skating. The kids loved it!


Christmas Eve was spent playing games and eating. Todd opened his new Risk game. For supper that night, we had shrimp and grits. We also Skyped Uncle Tim over in Japan and he watched "A Year Without a Santa Claus" and "The Nativity Story" with us.
Christmas morning picture!
Go Redskins!
Redskins pajamas!

Uncle Tim also opened presents with us on Christmas morning. Here he is wrapped up in his newest scarf, along with some Christmas garland.
Hannah found the pickle this year! Every year, Eloise hides the pickle ornament in the tree and the kids have to find it. The winner gets an extra gift. Hannah had help finding the pickle.

Baking Day!

It was so cold and rainy outside today......perfect Christmas baking weather. Hannah and I did quite a bit of baking today. Her attention span was much shorter than mine. She would add ingredients, stir, and then run off to watch a Christmas DVD. But it was still fun.
Just one little lick Mommy!!
I just love her gingerbread apron. Laura gave it to Rachel years ago, and now it is Hannah's turn.
I had fun baking with you today my girlie!!

I've Been Tagged

So I was tagged by my sweet friend Kim over at 4522-happenings.blogspot.com. I had to go to my 6th folder and pull the 6th picture. This is a pic of Hannah surprising Rachel on her birthday with breakfast in bed......homemade cinnamon rolls, mandarin oranges, and Starbucks. She also gave Rachel an unabridged copy of Les Miserables (currently the favorite book).

I hope Rachel doesn't look at this blog anytime soon......because I'm going to be in trouble.

So now I am supposed to tag someone else. Do I even know any bloggers other than Kim and Jean?? I better not re-tag them!

Jonathon's 10th birthday

Today is Jonathon's 10th birthday. We started a tradition a few years ago where he and I go to IHOP for breakfast on his birthday. Since I had to teach at 8:30 this morning, we decided to go after I got home at 10:30. After a late breakfast, we did some Christmas shopping.

Tonight was the family celebration. For as long as he could talk, his birthday supper has been mac and cheese, chicken, and yoo hoos......not exactly a healthy fare.
After supper he got on Skype so his grandparents could watch him open the gifts they gave him.
$30.00 in two dollar bills tied together on a piece of thread
His big gift was a new bicycle. He loves it! However, it was dark and very cold outside.....so no riding till tomorrow!

Jonathon, you are such a great joy and blessing in our lives. We love you so much and are so thankful to the Lord for giving you to us!!