Snow Day...

The girls experienced their first "snow day" today. Granted, they've seen snow on the ground before. In fact, they've played in it more than once when we used to go up to the mountains in California. Logan and Carsyn even had snow at home when we used to live in Indy, but they don't remember that at all--it was four years ago. So, today was the first time they've seen it snowing, and the first time their school was cancelled because of it. We actually didn't get that much snow. It's kind of amusing that they closed school. There was maybe three inches. But, enough to get all bundled up to enjoy a good snowball fight and tons of snow angels.

Carsyn, Maren, & Logan...

Logan taking Carsyn for a ride...

Let's go, Maren...

Logan...

Carsyn loved the snow...

Maren trying to catch a few snowflakes...

Carsyn's teacher...

Today both mommy and Carsyn had a special treat--mommy was a substitute in Carsyn's class. Carsyn's class is really good, and it was great getting to spend the whole day with them. Carsyn did just fine having mommy as a teacher, although she missed her regular teacher. All in all, it was a really fun day.

Sunday at the Smithsonian...

This afternoon we went downtown to the Smithsonian. They recently re-opened the Museum of American History after being closed for refurbishment for over a year. Logan and Carsyn hadn't been there for almost three years, and this was Maren's first visit. Our first stop was the First Ladies exhibit--always a favorite. The girls had so much fun looking at all the gowns and accessories. It was very neat to see them sincerely interested in it. We were hoping to see Michelle Obama's inaugural gown and jewelry, but they weren't on display yet. The girls also enjoyed the new kids' "Spark Lab" addition to the museum. There they were able to build with blocks, solve puzzles, create works of art, take part in science experiments, and do lots of other hands-on activities. D.C. is definitely filled with so many learning experiences for everyone.

The girls outside the Museum on a very cold, Washington day...

The girls with a picture of First Lady, Michelle Obama...

Maren having a fun in the kids' lab...

Logan is very good at puzzles...

The girls and Daddy (who apparently doesn't own a coat ; ) outside on the Mall...

Carsyn checking out the Capitol...

Dance and Gymnastics...

The girls started ballet and gymnastics last week. Logan and Carsyn are taking ballet together again. Carsyn really loves it. Logan is more interested in gymnastics. But, mommy is making her continue with dance because it's good for building strength, flexibility, coordination, and good posture. Logan is loving her gymnastics class. Carsyn takes gymnastics as well, but is in a different class than her sister. Maren was super-excited to start taking her own class as well. She is in a parent-and-me music and movement class. She loves it. It's funny to see her interact with children her own age...she's kind of bossy. She must be giving what she gets at home ; )

Logan posing at the barre...

Carsyn loving life, and ballet...

Maren getting ready to rule the roost...

Carsyn and Logan reunited with their friends Abigail and Maggie...

Logan...Future First Lady?

For a special project at school, Logan was asked to choose a vocation that contributed positively to society and dress up her "person" accordingly. Logan, still in the inaugural spirit, picked the extremely giving role of First Lady. She has learned that Michelle Obama--like any First Lady-- not only serves our country with various philanthropic projects, but also takes care of her family (all without a paycheck.) We were very proud of her sentiments, and her final product...check it out!

Logan as First Lady, complete with Mrs. Obama's Inaugural gown...

The 44th President of the United States...

What an amazingly historic day for our country. We are so fortunate to be living in the D.C. area right now. We really tried to soak it all in this weekend. Of course we couldn't do it all. After the Lincoln Memorial concert on Sunday and the Kids' concert Monday night, the girls were all getting a little run down. We decided (well, actually Daddy decided--boo!) not to go downtown for the swearing in. It was so cold yesterday morning, and Maren had been fighting a cold. Dad was also concerned about the enormous crowds and the safety concerns for three little girls. So, we stayed home, warm and glued to the television. It was a crazy sight seeing all those people. But, what a feeling watching everyone's emotions reacting to our new President. What a joyous day, we will never forget!

After most of the crowds had dispersed, Mommy and Daddy headed downtown for one of the Official Inaugural Balls. We tried very hard to get tickets to the Neighborhood Ball that they showed live on A.B.C., but no such luck. Instead we were "invited" by the California Democrats to purchase tickets to the Western States Ball at the Convention Center. What an awesome experience. The dinner was yummy, but we didn't eat much because we wanted to get a good spot near the stage. We ended up in the front row, right up against the retaining wall. Marc Anthony was the headliner for our ball. His wife was also in attendance. J-Lo also got up and sang a song with him. We were hoping to spot lots of celebs, but we did see Ron Howard and Hayden Panettiere. Of course the people we really wanted to see was the Obama's and the Biden's. After standing in our spots for two and a half hours, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife came out. He spoke briefly and then they had a dance. An a little over an hour later a Navy band came out and played "Hail to the Chief" and President Barack Obama and Michelle graced the stage. He was awesome as usual, and Michelle looked amazing. What a great night. "Now let's change the world." -President Barack Obama

Mommy and Daddy on the Metro, going to the Ball...

Arriving at the Ball...

Mommy staking out a good place...

Ron Howard...

Marc Anthony...

Jennifer Lopez...

V.P. Biden and Jill...

Hail to the Chief...

President Obama...

"At Last"...

OMG...The Jonas Brothers...

We just had one of the most awesome nights ever! After days of hounding a couple of Master Chiefs, Daddy was able to get his hands on five tickets to the Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future concert, honoring military families, and hosted by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The concert was taped and played on the Disney Channel. We had a blast. It was the girls' first concert--what a fabulous first concert! All of the military families were given floor seats, so we were pretty close to the stage. We got to see Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jamie Foxx, George Lopez, Bow Wow, Rosario Dawson, Queen Latifah, Usher, Corbin Bleu, Demi Lavato, Lucy Lu, and the future First and Second Ladies. But, the highlight of the night was seeing Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas...the Jonas Brothers. It was super-cool. Logan and Carsyn had so much fun dancing and screaming! Poor little Maren has a bit of a cold and was a little cranky and tired. But, what she saw of it, she enjoyed. What an amazing evening (even though my camera battery died, resulting in very few pictures.) We feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Thanks, Daddy!

Logan and Carsyn before the show...

Logan in front of the stage...

Carsyn was excited to see Miley in person...

The entire ensemble gathered for the finale...

The Most Fun Ever at the Lincoln Memorial...

We just got home from a pretty long day downtown. We went to the "We Are One" inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial. The line-up was phenomenal: Denzel Washington, Mary J. Blige, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks, Rosario Dawson, Bono, Garth Brooks, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Luther King III, Stevie Wonder, Ashley Judd, John Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi, James Taylor, John Legend, Beyonce, Usher, Queen Latifah, and many others. And, of course Vice President-elect Joe Biden and President-elect Barack Obama. Check out the link for details and watch tonight on HBO!

Our family waiting for the celebration to start...

Daddy and a very tired Maren with the Lincoln Memorial in the background...

Logan and Carsyn, wishing it was an indoor concert (they'll have much more fun tomorrow night at the Kids' Inaugural concert)...

The gates opened at 8 o'clock this morning, but we didn't get there that early. So, we were further back on the Mall. However, it was awesome anyway because they had huge jumbotrons set up all over and we could still see the Lincoln in the distance. The crowds were unbelievable; one million people were expected. Fortunately we had a bit of a warm up--it was about 40 degrees. But, because there were so many people packed together, it felt warmer. We feel very lucky to have been a part of such an incredibly historic and memorable event.

Carsyn and Logan with the Capitol in the background...

Ready to go home...

Just another Saturday...

No big news to report. It was pretty cold and rainy today. We spent the day in the house--cleaning up, making a mess, cleaning up, making a mess, etc. We also went to 5:30 mass tonight. The girls looked super cute, but kind of silly in the pictures. Maybe they're over the whole picture taking thing...nah, they were just chewing gum!

Check out their smiles...

Guess this one is a little better...

Yes, we still have our tree up. That's on the schedule for tomorrow...taking it down : (

A day at school with Carsyn...

Today mommy was able to spend the morning with Carsyn and her pre-kindergarten class. Actually, mommy spent most of the day at school...first acting as class photographer for Carsyn's class, then helping out in art with Logan's class, two fun-filled hours of recess duty, and finally lunch with Logan! What a day, but very worth it. Lucky for everyone, daddy had off work so he was could enjoy some quality time with Maren.

Carsyn hard at work...

Back to normal...a routine, that is...

So the Holidays are over, and it's back to normal. Well...as close to normal as possible. As excited as the girls were to go back to school, it's still no fun getting up in the mornings--no more staying up past ten and sleeping in : ( But, Logan and Carsyn transitioned back into our school routine with no problem. And, Maren has enjoyed having the toys, tv, and mommy to herself for few hours!

Logan, getting ready for mass last Sunday...

Maren pretending to be the princess-in-charge...

Carsyn home from her first day of school in 2009...

Disney gives the Military a Salute...

We just found out about an awesome thing the Disney Co. is doing for servicemen and women and their families. If you are active, retired, or activated reservist you can get a free multi-day Disney World or Disneyland pass. Check out the Disney link for yourself to see all the details. This sounds like a good excuse to start planning another vacation ; )...

Playing at the park...

The weather has been pretty mild this weekend, so we were able to take the girls to the park for some outdoor play. We were very spoiled living in California...we had a park right across the street and it was almost never "too cold" to go outside--and it never rained! The girls really love playing at the park. They had a great time. We definitely enjoyed our last day of Christmas vacation.

Logan on the swings...

Maren swinging too...

Carsyn getting ready to slide...

Happy New Year!

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Happy New Year! Hope everyone has a very happy and healthy 2009! Tonight we went to downtown Fairfax City for some of their New Year's festivities, but it was super-cold and very windy. Also, in the short drive there, both Carsyn and Maren fell asleep. So, Nana stayed in the car with the sleeping girls while Daddy, Mommy, and Logan got some take out. We spent the rest of the night watching Disney Channel--woohoo! Neither the girls, nor Daddy made it 'til midnight (although Carsyn was close--she did see the Jonas Brothers Live from Times Square!)...next year we'll have to do something more exciting.

Happy New Year!

Logan downtown Fairfax...

Nutcracker...

Mommy took Logan and Carsyn to see "The Nutcracker" this afternoon. They loved it, especially Carsyn who thinks of herself as a ballerina...a "singer ballerina!" After the performance Carsyn couldn't wait to meet the dancers and get some autographs. Logan was more interested in finding their friends. It was a fun holiday tradition!

Carsyn and Logan during intermission...

Logan, Maggie, Abigail, and Carsyn after the show...

Weekend in Virginia Beach...

We spent this weekend visiting our friends at their new home in outside of Virginia Beach, VA. It was so great to get to visit with them because we had not seen them since last December when we were all still living out in California. The drive down took a little longer than normal because of D.C. traffic, but it is definitely great having good friends close again. The girls had a wonderful time playing with their buddies, and the adults had a great time trying not to talk politics ; ) We enjoy these visits every time. Thanks, Chad and Jill--you guys are always the best hosts!

The kids opening their presents...

Madison (3), Morgan (1), Carsyn (4), Maren (2), Evan (almost 5), and Logan (6)...

The girls posing for me after mass...