Such a doll

Zoe with her baby doll Grandma gave her for Christmas

For all you lurkers -you know who you are! (Kathy G!)

I thought you'd appreciate this site if you haven't seen it already
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

An idea to economize this year

DC daytrip

We met our GOOD FRIEND ROS downtown yesterday for a Christmasy day trip of DC. Of course I missed any photos of her and us together. Dang. Anyway, here is a hit list of what we saw:

Lunch at Union Station including pancakes and a highly anticipated cheesy pizza for Zac. Ros got a piece but the price was high as she had to carry Zac's leftovers throughout the rest of our trip.

Walked up to the CAPITOL BUILDING to see the platform being built for the inauguration. I was glad to see that they still fly the American flag over the Capitol building and there is a great Christmas tree. As the day progressed these huge black clouds came rolling in- seemed like foreshadowing for what is to come.

Went over to the BOTANICAL GARDENS to see their beautiful trees and this really cool MINIATURE TRAIN EXHIBIT- if you have kids this is a MUST SEE! Even if you don't have kids I'd say GO SEE IT! There are also replicas of the Smithsonian, Capitol building, and all these little villages made out of natural materials- acorns, leaves, cinnamon sticks, etc. This was super cool- maybe my favorite of the day.

Then, over to the NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART where they have put up these really cool lights in the tunnel between the two galleries. Emily was also tricked into seeing some art as we had to walk through an exhibit- I saw that famous painting of George Washington, a painting by Whister (not his mother). We were moving fast as I wanted to keep Max on the move.

Then, to watch the ICE SKATERS while we waited about an hour for Nick to go get the car and come back and pick us up. Highlights and lowlights included Max falling and hitting his face on a stone bench, hot chocolate that burned your tongue and Emily dropping and losing $40. I hope it was a great happy surprise that was found by someone in great need.

A REALLY WONDERFUL DAY!

Sneak peek at your Christmas Card

Deck the Halls!

I was hoping to put up Christmas decorations this week. Before we do that we need to get the boxes out of the closet under the stairs. To get to the boxes we need to clean up the downstairs. Before we do that we need move the freezer currently in the middle of the basement (given to us- thanks!) and to clean the laundry room to clear a spot for it. In order to clean the laundry room I need to move the unassembled bunk bed. In order to put up the bunk bed we need to finish painting Abby's room. To finish painting Abby's room I need to move the dresser/desk/bed out and that involves clearing the boxes in the hallway upstairs. Those are full of photos that need to be scrapbooked. Someday.

So, enjoy these photos of some of our Christmas decorations from last year. I let the kids help. I think you will agree not everyone's nativity has a TRex in it. That would account for Mary always appearing so suprised all the time.

On a positive note: the hole in the ceiling drywall is FIXED! New wall/ceiling PAINTED! CURTAINS UP! and PIANO BACK against the wall where it belongs! Hurray! If you need a handyman Nick is your guy! (as long as you have a month or six to spare)

I think these are dang hilarious. Sincerely.

you can see the whole line of cards at lineuponlinecards.com