Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Eve 2011

Concentration

Madeline has taken to coloring like it is her job. She has a very deliberate plan for where the colors go on the page, but she is open to working with assistants.

First Bow

Madeline wore a barrette—a pretty pink bow—for the first time last weekend to attend a Christmas party. She enjoyed admiring herself in the mirror before the party, but something misfired in the way we hyped the bow and this "princess bow" is now the only one she'll wear, despite a selection of very cute options.

Awkward Family Christmas Photos

Patrick and Madeline were predictably terrified by a visit to Santa a few weeks ago. Madeline refused to acknowledge him (note Santa's hand just hovering near her), and Patrick was desperately trying to remember all of the items on the long list he'd prepared to relate to the Big Man. Mommy once again was denied a cherished family heirloom.

Crafty

I have been buying construction paper, pipe cleaners, and assorted other craft supplies for years in the vain hope that Patrick will take an interest in art beyond the occasional scribble or glitter glue fiasco. Recently we've experienced something of a Renaissance. Patrick has discovered "mixed media sculpture" and loves crafting creations from the corks, paper towel tubes, daddy nails, and the miles of tape that Abra readily supplies. His saintly teacher even assured us that his affinity for building paper towel tube "guns" is a lovely (and normal) expression of his creativity. Last night I found him in the kitchen wrapping his torso in packing tape to make a superhero costume...he wanted to be The Flash. Together we added a lightning bolt headpiece and he had a wonderful time zipping around the house. And if there is ever a paper towel tube gun war, rest assured that we are well defended.

Scenes from Santa's Workshop

The Good Soldier

Patrick's Abra Christmas play was the usual festival of extreme cuteness we have come to love. He played a soldier this year, and uttered his line "Everyone must go to the town of their grandparents; the king wants to count his people," with shy perfection.

Daddy's Girl

...and Mommy's girl too...

Turkey Times

Given all of our activity of late we decided not to travel this year, so instead we stayed home, and Thanksgiving came to us in some delightful ways. The Prewitts came to town last weekend and we spent a terrific Saturday night watching UVA beat Florida State, and had everyone over for a brunch the next day that lasted until 4 p.m.! On Tuesday Donald and I attended a feast at Abra and Patrick and I baked two pies together. On Thursday I ran in the Turkey Trot and we hosted an impromptu breakfast party here. I was seriously lacking in the photography department, but did manage to take a picture of our baked brie with mushrooms, which tasted even better than it looks. Patrick was thankful to not have school for 4 days, Madeline was thankful for Elmo (as always) and Donald and I are thankful the move is over, even if the "moving in" is not. It feels great to be in our new house.

Hello Nelson Ave!

All of our stuff is here, but it feels like it will take months to actually unpack all of the boxes! Patrick and Madeline are doing great; they loved finding special toys in their rooms when they came home the first night, and they have quickly taken up old tricks. Madeline is enjoying hiding and gamely pretending to be Patrick's "dog", Patrick is enjoying playing ball in the yard, and everyone enjoyed a visit from Grammy and Grandaddy (plus a cameo from Cousin Soph) on our first weekend here.