Holiday Fun

More fun photos to come...it's been a whirlwind week with no fewer than 3 Christmas celebrations. First a visit from Santa at home, then to Roanoke, then back to Alexandria for a visit from Grammy and Grandaddy.

One Terrific Tree

The Abra Christmas play is both timeless and ever-changing. This was our fifth one, though I can still remember Patricks first shy turn as a star as if it were yesterday. And the baby that was with us that first Christmas pageant is now a beautiful tree. Shine on beautiful angels.

Christmas Vacation

We took Madeline to her first movie on Sunday...Frozen. She loved it. After that a visit to the new playground, a tour of Jen and Derek's new house, and dinner at 2 Amy's. Thanks to Christmas Eve pajama service she has been wearing pjs ( different ones) for the last 4 days.

Recent Works

We moved the craft area and are having a bit of a Renaissance here. Patrick is still a big fan of mixed media ( tape, yarn, paper towel tubes) while Madeline gravitates to  magic marker and dabbles in crayon and glitter glue.

Decking the Halls

We had a flurry of Christmas fun this weekend. On Friday Patrick and I attended a tea party with Santa and then friends came over to help us build a gingerbread village. On Saturday Patrick marched in the Christmas parade with the rugby team while Maddle and I cheered, and on Sunday we trimmed our tree amidst a beautiful falling snow.

First Snow

Patrick is an eternal optimist when it comes to evaluating whether or not there's enough snow to make a snowball. And he's usually right.

He Sees You

Patrick and Madeline awoke on Dec 2 to discover the Elf on the Shelf had left them a little message spelled out in Bananagram letter tiles: I'm watching you. Be good.

Assuming they aren't scarred for life this is proving to be an semi-effective check on bad behavior.

Sugarplum Fairies

Madeline and Sophie had a blast at the Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center on Friday. Madeline wore her finest jewels and was rivited when the snow queen arrived on stage pulled by a very princess-y white horse.

Fun to be Four!

I'm still not sure how four years have transpired since that fateful moment at Sibley when the doctor told us "she may be 11 pounds," but Madeline continues to be more than we could hope for, so full of giggles and hugs and stories and naughtiness. This year's party theme was Rainbow Princess and we had a lot of fun with the planning and decor. Colton, Carrington, and Soph were on hand to keep the party hopping.

Halloween Scenes

 fun So many fun fall events this year: the Halloween parade, parties at both schools, and of course the main event, a very successful Trick or Treat. Our Ninja and Rapunzel had a blast!

UVA Tailgate Weekend

We took the gang for another Hoo Haul experience this year and had lots of laughs in spite of a disappointing (for UVA) game.

Trump Vineyard

View from Wintergreen

Game Day

First Grade Tricks

Volunteering at the First a Grade Halloween party was a blast, complete with a trick for Ms. Stulb! 

Boy Scout Bling

Patrick earned a Bobcat badge and two belt loops at the pack meeting last night. The Tigers were adorable, and hearing the scouts from the different dens report on their recent activities (camping, whittling, hiking, building a catapult, archery, fishing, astronomy, fire safety and more) was the highlight of my day. 

Troop 135's Newest Recruit

 

Patrick had his first Cub Scout meeting with uniform on Tuesday night. He was all smiles and thrilled to earn his first badge in computers. If there is a badge for adorable-ness he's going to get that too.

One Pleased Princess

On Monday Madeline received a memorable souvenir from her BFF Ella's trip to Disney World: a genuine Rapunzel tiara. Ms. Michelle even bent Abra's strict no-tiaras rule and allowed Her Royal Highness to keep it on all day at school. Here she is on the sidelines of Patrick's soccer practice late yesterday afternoon, still aglow.

Coach Dad

Patrick has a very special coach this year for his soccer team, The Grizzly Sharks. They played their first game today and Patrick made some good plays. Coach also had a good game.