2010 Christmas Tree

Looking for the right tree.

The tree is down. 

Waiting back at the truck

The children were very helpful getting the tree into the truck. Kate was especially helpful. 

Success. 

It was a beautiful, special day I hope I don't ever forget. 

Skating with Santa 2010

 We only go ice skating once a year when we go to my moms work Christmas party. It's become a favorite tradition. 

The kids always need a lot of help in the beginning.  

Grayson and Lydia took a lot of falls.  But, they kept getting up and trying again. I love how Grayson is concentrating so hard his tongue is out. 

Taking a break for donuts and hot chocolate. 

By the end of the night they were pro's.

We tried to keep Clair off the ice, but eventually she won.  She liked to be dragged between my legs, with her feet on the ice. 

Kate enjoyed many superman rides with uncle BoBo. 

We always leave wondering why we don't do it more often. 

Washington DC

Last week we enjoyed a fabulous trip with Jared Family to Washington DC.  I was worried that the kids were a little young.  But everyone loved it.  We are grateful for the opportunity we had to spend some quality time with Jared's Sister and kids. We only get to see them a couple times a year. 

We stayed on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a couple blocks from the White House. We did a tour of the White House, but we weren't allowed to bring cameras or purses or anything, so we don't have pictures.  

The weather was PERFECT while we were there. 

This was the first time any of our kids rode on an underground train.  It was a bit crazy getting all the kids through, but we survived and the kids loved it. 

Museum of Natural History: 

Air and Space Museum:

Grayson kept asking about when he could see the Wright Brothers exhibit. 

I never tire of seeing the Washington Memorial.  

Mount Vernon

One of my favorite places to visit in the DC Area is Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington.  It has such a special feeling and the grounds are a mazing. 

We were so lucky to visit before the leaves fell. I don't think I'll ever forget how beautiful the day was. 

After our tour of the property the kids had a fun conversation with Martha Washington. 

James Town

Since we were in the area, we also visited the Jamestown settlement in Virginia.

It was fun to see how natives in the area lived.They had lots of interactive demonstrations to teach us their way of living.

Using bones to make tools.

The kids loved the feather and cob game.

We also got to explore replicas of the ships the settlers came over in. 

Everyones favorite activity was dressing in the settlers garb. 

If only Kate was as happy at our church as she was in the settlements chapel. 

Visiting the Kameraths

On the last day of our trip, the Kameraths joined us for church and a little sight seeing.  At the end of the day Jared and Grayson flew home while the girls and I stayed with Tami in Maryland for a few more days.

I basically vegged on Tami's coach for three days.  I had fun watching Tami cook for me. 

She made yummy tortilla's from scratch.  

 She also made like a million of these evil cinnamon rolls. I think she had a plan to make me gain 10 pounds. 

The girls made a few crafts.

They especailly loved doing these paintings we got at Micheal's.

The kids had a little cheese puff party.  They seriously ate an entire bag of cheese puffs in minutes. Can you tell I was on vacation from being a mom.  

Thanks Tami for all the yummy food, fun shopping trips, and letting us destroy your home.  I can't wait for you to come and so we can do it again. 

Happy Halloween

We had a good day. Carving Pumpkins, making pizza, trick or treating, and watching Ichabod Crane. 

Grayson drew and cut his own pumpkin this year. I was impressed he could do the whole thing by himself. 

We trick-or-treated with our neighbors and dear friends the Lesieurs. We went out in a down pour but the kids were good not to complain. 

The costumes:

Grayson got so many high fives and compliments on his costume.  He loved all the attention. 

The Forest Fairy aka Tinkerbell. 

The Water Fairy

The Garden Fairy