Swim Lessons

We have been meaning to sign up Elliot for swim lessons for a while. We have actually tried several times, but they fill up really fast. We finally got a spot and Elliot started swim lessons on Sunday. He is in a class with other 4 year old beginner swimmers, and will attend class for 6 weeks. Parents aren't allowed to watch pool side so most of these pictures were taken from the glass enclosed observation area (sorry for the haze). Elliot really enjoyed the class and can't wait to go back.

Christmastime

Its hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. December was a whirlwind of decorating, shopping, festive outings, visitors, and lots of fun. Where to start?

I suppose we really got into the Christmas spirit when we picked out our Christmas tree. Both kids loved visiting the tree lot. Elliot felt and inspected every tree. He and Daddy found the perfect tree together. Beatrice was very happy running up and down the rows of trees. 

The following weekend, Elliot and I went to our second play together. We saw Knuffle Bunny the musical at the Kennedy Center. We LOVE the book and the play was very cute. I didn't take any pictures of us at the Kennedy Center, but Daddy took this picture of us before we left. Doesn't the Christmas tree look nice? Elliot helped me decorate it. 

Mimsey and Gramps came to visit us over the Christmas holiday. We had a great time seeing them.  They came a few days before Christmas which allowed for some long walks, nice meals, last minute shopping, and round or two of Scrabble and Quiddler. On Christmas Eve Mommy, Mimsey, Beatrice and Elliot went to church while Daddy and Gramps cooked spaghetti. Beatrice did not like church, or maybe she liked it too much. She wanted to follow the choir down the aisle and she made sure everyone could hear her during the quiet moments. About half way through the service, Beatrice and I left to hang out with a bunch of other toddlers in the hallway. 

By Christmas morning there was a mountain of presents under the tree. Christmas morning was a bit overwhelming for the kids. Beatrice didn't know what to do with all of the presents. Thankfully Lara was there to help her open all of her gifts. Beatrice's big gift from Santa was a rocking horse (that Mommy painted). Santa brought Elliot his Bat Mobile and a pint sized set of golf clubs.  

Daddy spent a good part of the morning opening toy packages. 

Beatrice loves her new stroller - thanks Grammy and Papa!

After opening our presents and eating a yummy breakfast we all went for a long wall. 

Our friend Frank Curcio joined us all for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of our visit with Frank. Mimsey and Gramps headed home to Williamsburg on the 26th, but our Christmas fun didn't stop when they left. That night we decided to check out the light display at our local botanical gardens. The lights were amazing. It was a little hard to take it all in with Beatrice - she wanted to RUN through the garden.

rainbow and clouds with rain. 

Bea on the run!

Amazing sea monster!

Although I didn't take any pictures, we ended our holidays with a fun New Years celebration that we think might become a tradition. The kids and I decorated the dinning room with some decorations I found in the attic, we made and ate shrimp and grits, then watched London ring in the New Year at 7 PM on BBC.