Christmas 2012

We were so busy over the Christmas holiday that I didn't have time to blog. We kicked off the holiday with a Christmas concert by all of the 4/5 year olds at Elliot's school. Elliot was in the back row so I wasn't able to get to may pictures of him. The kids were very cute and did a great job.

A few days before Santa's arrival we set up our Christmas train in Elliot's room. Every night before bed the kids begged to play with the train. It has lots of cute features like a little elf that pops out of a window. Thanks Mom (Mimsey) for this Christmas tradition! 

Grammy and Papa arrived from Colorado a few days before Christmas and we wasted no time in getting them into the Christmas Spirit. On the first or second night of their visit we took them to a house just over the line in DC that goes all out for the holiday. It was pretty cold, but worth the trip.

On Christmas Eve we spent the morning at the Air and Space Museum site near Dulles airport. This place is always a hit with the kids. There is lots to see, room to run, and a McDonalds in the museum.

Elliot spotted some Star Wars figures that are "Just like Daddy's!"

Beatrice Prepares to "Blast off!"

As we left the museum it was starting to snow. Bea and Juliana were pretty excited and decided to try to catch some snowflakes.

Later that day, Elliot, Beatrice and I went to church. After the service we hurried home to eat a wonderful Christmas Dinner that Daddy had prepared. After dinner, the kids got to open their first gift - Christmas PJs and Slippers from Ruby (our elf). After we got ready for bed we read our last Christmas book, The Night Before Christmas. The kids slept till 7 AM on Christmas morning and raced downstairs as soon as all of the grownups were ready and in place to take pictures. Despite having the camera ready, I didn't take many pictures. I was too busy watching the kids jump up and down with excitement. Elliot's big gift was a ship's wheel, telescope, and tire swing for his playground. Bea's big gift was a doll house. Everyone was VERY happy with what Santa brought them.

 

On the last night of Grammy and Papa's visit we went to see the lights and train display at Brookside Gardens. The crowds were non-existent compared to last year, when we went before Christmas. It was much more enjoyable to see the lights once the Christmas rush was over.

In addition to all of these activities, we baked and decorated gingerbread cookies, went out for some wonderful meals, and had Frank over for dinner on Christmas Day. Wow, we sure had a busy holiday! Although it was less than a month ago, it feels like it was ages ago. Time flies when you are having fun.