CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!!!

As you can imagine, the kids were VERY excited to open presents this morning. Thank you to everyone for your generous gifts, they have already been enjoyed a great deal this morning. We are very blessed by family that continues to spoil us despite our distance.
Moira's favorite thing, by far, has been the Christmas candy. Jon and Carter are not HUGE fans of chocolate so I don't usually get too much, but it IS Christmas. I put a few pieces in each stocking and as Moira opened hers this morning, she found a 4 inch, peanut butter-filled Santa and began to eat the WHOLE thing - before we even opened a single present! She has been eating candy all morning (we have put it away but she still seems to find it). I guess she is her mother's girl after-all. Carter, however, is ALL Jon as evidenced by his getting dressed this morning before going downstairs to open presents. Jon was so proud but I explained to them that in this house, we open Christmas presents in our Jammies! Obedient Carter went and changed back into p.j.'s before heading downstairs.
Carter was so excited to see that Santa had left them a thank you note for the cookies and carrots. He also received his favorite tradition of Santa leaving a sleigh bell as "the first gift of Christmas" (from the book and movie Polar Express).
After all the presents had been opened, Jon asked Moira, "So Moira, do you like Christmas?" Moira responded, "I like the candy!"
We wish you and yours a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a joyous and blessed New Year!

 Carter's note is on the left. Santa left one for the kids before leaving our house (on the right).

 The After

Carter and Moira enjoying some of their new art supplies. I don't know how Jon did it, but Moira is smiling at the camera. Daddies!

If you squint your eyes it looks like he's choking her!

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!

Christmas Eve

After church Friday night, the kids were excited to return home to open their one gift before Christmas. Carter was very eager to leave a note and cookies for Santa as well as carrots for the reindeer. Once we were all nestled in our jammies, our Christmas Eve readings could commence! Jon faithfully read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and I shared the Christmas Story from our family Bible. Carter was fully into it, as he has been about EVERYTHING Christmas this year. Moira was her usual fluttery self, flitting around the room doing anything but sitting still and listening to a story. Two year olds! What are you going to do but hug'em when you catch'em? 

Please enjoy the photos of my goofy buy precious children!

U.S. Botanical Gardens

My girlfriend, Desi, and I decided to take our kids up to D.C. for the morning to check out the annual train exhibit at the botanical gardens. They create displays of monuments throughout the world out of completely natural materials then have train tracks winding through. It is actually very neat to see. And if you mention "Train" to kids, they are in for A N Y T H I N G!
On the walk to the Gardens, we had to walk across the lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol building so we got to see the Christmas tree out front. The ornaments were all hand made and the theme was "Wyoming". I actually like this tree better than the one on front of the White House (the National Christmas Tree). It is very whimsical. The kids had a blast running around (of course, oblivious to their surroundings).
I do not take for granted one moment how blessed we are to live so close to our Nation's Capitol and take in all the sites and history that is right at our fingertips. I hope one day the kids will appreciate the opportunity they have. If not, I hope they at least had fun!

 Carter and Moira in front of the Christmas tree on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol

 Carter running around with his friend Christian. 

 Carter and Christian in front of the Capitol Building

 Petra in Jordan

 Showing us their "bear" faces in front of the Living Wreath. In theory, it doesn't die, it just keeps on growing. Obviously, they never met me. It would be dead within a week at my house.

 Lincoln Memorial

 This was the only way I could get my sweet little girl to smile for the camera all day. It was worth it though!

Moira's Birthday!

 Our darling girl turned two at the beginning of the month. Jon and I play birthday elves and decorated her door the night before. She was so excited to see decorations when she woke up in the morning. Gramma was in town and Carter was home sick from school so Moira got to spend the day with lots of people who love her. She couldn't wait for Daddy to get home so she could open presents and eat cake. That's my girl! Moira is still figuring out the whole present-opening process. As soon as she unwrapped one, she wanted to take it out of the box right away, not understanding the more gifts awaited her. It was all a little overwhelming but it worked out just fine. She was very grateful for all her lovely packages. But I think she liked the cupcakes the best!

 Carter was trying to give a birthday hug but Moira was ready to get to those presents!

 

Yes, my daughter is POUTING because Gramma can not get her package opened fast enough. So proud.

 Again, poor Carter trying to share the love and Moira is eyeing her cupcake.

 Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!!

Photo Shoot!

In October (yes, I realize it is now nearly the end of December), my good friend took family pictures for us. We went out to the local park and tried to capture moments as the perfect family that one always sees in all those smiling, glorious, breath-taking family photos. Well, our session wasn't exactly like that.
The kids were not interested in having their picture taken at all. So my friend, being the professional that she is, worked with what she had. The results are precious. We may not be "perfect", but my family is perfect for me.
Enjoy!