It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

In keeping with our tradition, we put up all our Christmas decorations this weekend.  The girls couldn't wait to get the trees up, and ornaments hung.  Now if daddy would just finish those outdoor lights...

After Mass tonight...

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Thanksgiving morning we all piled in the car for our drive to Grandma's.  The girls were pretty excited to see her and their cousins.  We even took the dog.  It was her first long car trip...I don't think she was particularly fond of the car.  But, she was fine as long as she was sleeping on Nani's lap.  We had a really nice dinner.  There were 13 adults, 9 kids, and 7 dogs.  That may sound like a lot, but the potential to have A LOT more (people and dogs) is great.  This was only two of my dad's siblings and three of my cousins and their spouses.  But, all six great-grandkids were present!  How fun!  We got back home at about quarter of midnight--and you should have seen the line wrapping around the Target parking lot.  People are nuts!  Were you out?  Not me.  I'm going to bed...and sleeping in!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Cousins...

   

Grandma and her six great-grandchildren (and one of her "regular" grandkids)...

Les Miz...

When given the choice between the Nutcracker or Les Miserables...Barry said he'd rather stick a pencil in his eye than go to the ballet (again).  So, last night we got all fancy (well, the girls did anyway) and headed downtown.  Since the girls didn't have school yesterday, we weren't rushing around like crazy people (okay we were), and we actually got there with plenty of time to spare.  This was the girls' second time seeing this show, and I think they enjoyed it even more this time.  Of course, I could see it a hundred more times...it's my second favorite musical.  What a fun night!

Before the show...

At intermission...

Maren's Kindergarten Thanksgiving Party...

Today Maren's class celebrated Thanksgiving.  They had a super time making pine cone turkeys, eating Oreo turkeys, playing games, and conducting science experiments on Fall colors.  I'm so thankful to have three girls who absolutely LOVE school! 

Maren and her friend Lauren...

Christmas Card Photos...

This afternoon before Mass, we set out to take the perfect picture for our Christmas Card.  It certainly was an adventure.  While trying to get Carsyn to cooperate (she was mad because I made her wear jeans--which she currently hates), I may have started to lose my patience.  That's when I felt a very painful sting on my foot.  I kicked my shoe off, thinking maybe there was something in it.  The girls were terrified--they probably thought I was going crazy.  It turned out that a rather large wasp stung me...in the middle of November.  Barry said it was God, punishing me for not being more patient with the girls.  I don't know--all I know is that it hurt like crazy.  We ended up driving to a new a location, and I think the picture turned out great...and the swelling went down by the end of the night!

At the first place...

Right before a wasp stung me...

Next place, with better attitudes all around...

Fancy feet...

So pretty...

The picture we ended up using...

Another pose...

 

 

Some times she really likes getting her picture taken...

 

Our Christmas card for 2011...

 

Veterans Day Weekend in Washington...

Can you think of a better place to be for Veterans Day weekend than Washington?  Well, I couldn't--so that's where we went ; ).  The girls had the day off Friday, so we left Thursday after parent/teacher conferences (they're all doing super!)  We got as far as Hagerstown, MD before we decided to stop for the night.  Friday morning we drove the rest of the way to the hotel in Old Town Alexandria.  The girls could not wait to see their old pal, Mike.  He met us for lunch, and then we all headed over to the National Mall.  The girls were in heaven.  I'm not sure that they realized that Mike had lived there for the past three years, and it wasn't his first time.  Unfortunately the exhibit that they most wanted to "show"him (the First Ladies exhibit) was closed.  They had fun anyway, and Mike was most patient--as usual.  We shut down the American History Museum (we did, but only because it closed at 5:30), and then Metro-ed back to OTA for dinner.  Hard Times Cafe's chili rivals Ben's...and--again--there was NO red meat for me ; ).  Thanks for spending one of your last days in Washington with us, Mike!

Waiting on the platform for the Metro...

 

On the Mall...

Capitol views...

 

Carsyn...

 

The Washington Monument...

"Uncle" Mike!

 

So pretty at night...

 

Dinner time...

Mike and Logan...

On Saturday we finally made it to the new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.  It was amazing.  So big.  How wonderful to get to share that experience with the girls.  We had a great time walking around downtown, and the weather was perfect!  That afternoon we drove down to our friends' house.  We hadn't seen them since they moved from Ohio back to Northern Virginia this summer.  Ame'lie and Claire had no idea that we were coming.  They were so surprised when we showed up at their front door.  It was so neat.  All the kids had a blast hanging out, and they certainly didn't want to leave.  Thanks for having us over!  But, the fun didn't stop there.  As soon as we left, we went to our other friends' house for dinner.  They are always so nice to cook dinner for us.  The girls had tons of fun--even though Sydney did not put on the infamous cat suit this time ; ).  Thanks, you guys...see you next time!  

Maren and daddy walking on the Mall...

 

MLK Memorial...

 

Dr. King...

 

Side view...

Carsyn and I...

Taking a break...

We probably shouldn't have let them climb the cherry trees...

But, look how sweet they are...

Tidal Basin...

The White House...

Carsyn and Claire...

 

Ame'lie and Logan...

Such good kids...

Back together again...

As crazy as ever...

On Sunday we ate breakfast before walking to St. Mary's for Mass.  Old Town is so pretty...I just love it there.  We had such an awesome weekend!

Before church...

 

Feels Like Fall...

I can't believe it's still so nice out.  Today's high is 70 degrees...I could definitely live with that year-round.  Additionally, I've been able to avoid digging out all the winter coats--thank goodness!  They take up so much room.

Ready for school...in just knee socks and corduroy blazers to keep warm ; )  Love it!

Dinner With Friends...

After a fun day of outlet shopping (hey, what else am I going to do when Barry has drill?), we went over to our friends' house for dinner.  The girls had a blast cooking out, eating, and playing.  Logan even got to stay the night.  I don't think they know what they've gotten themselves into.

Logan and Lilli...

All Saints Day...

Today is the Feast of All Saints.  In honor of this feast day, Maren's Kindergarten class had their All Saints parade.  Maren was Saint Agnes...mostly because she wanted to hold her stuffed lamb.  The kids all did super going from class to class, and telling about their Saints.

Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In...