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.