The Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit

Snowed In and Lovin' It!

We had the biggest snow storm DC has seen in December EVER. They usually close school for just 2 inches, and we received 16 INCHES, so you can imagine what it was like. They don't plow much and a lot of people don't have snow tires ... it was pretty crazy. The snow started falling around 9:30pm Friday and it didn't stop until 9:00pm Saturday It was quite the production. Outside looked like a winter wonderland. There was so much snow, that everyone stayed indoors. Cars were literally buried in TONS of fluffy white powder.
We must admit that we have had the perfect 2 days enjoying the quiet. No where to go, not many phone calls ... nothing to do but enjoy time as a family and relax. After weeks of finals and the usual Christmas rush, it was so nice to enjoy the peace. We played in the snow, made bread, watched a movie and Brett and Abby made a doll house out of cardboard. This morning, we went to undercover our car so it wouldn't get too icy. Brett, being the sweet person that he is, helped shovel out 7 different cars. He is going to be one sore boy tomorrow. Our parking lot turned into a giant sledding hill. It was so fun to see everyone outside, relaxing and enjoying the snow. We live in an area where we don't see our neighbors much. They just seem to work and sleep and then repeat. This storm gave us the opportunity to get to know our neighbors because they were forced to slow down and not go anywhere. We had a great time visiting with them and helping each other. These past few days have made me realize how important it is to take time to just enjoy the moment and slow down to savor life's simple pleasures and make some fun memories. Nothing like a good snow storm. Thanks Heaven, for a wonderful Christmas gift!!

Sledding in the parking lot.


The front of our apartments.


Abby and Me in the snow. (She is teething right now so you can tell she isn't her happy self.)



This is a car...somewhere in there.


Abby was concerned about the cold.




The camera died part way through this video but it gives you a view of the snow and Miss Abby.




Here is Abby and Brett giving a quick run on the sled. The runway for sledding hadn't been packed down at this point, so it was a bumpy ride that didn't last long.

Wreaths at Arlington

This last Saturday we had a neat opportunity to put wreaths on the graves at Arlington Cemetery. We woke up in the early hours of the morning and it was very worth it. It was really cool to see how many people came to pay respect to those who have served our country. People came from all over and some drove many hours to be there. There were also many coming to remember family members who were buried in Arlington. Christmastime has to be the hardest time for those who have lost loved ones. I just hurt for them.
I really gained a deeper appreciation for all those that have served and currently serve our country. We are so blessed to live in this nation! We enjoy our freedoms because of so many who defend it. It was sobering to see how many graves there really are here in Arlington. I'm grateful that we had chance to take a few moments to give our thanks and respect to those who have served as we placed a wreath on each headstone. This was definitely one of those experiences you always remember. We want to send a big 'THANKS' to those who serve so we can live in this great land!

Piles of wreaths to be placed. Many soldiers were there to pay respect.


Our little family. Abby was having a rough time because it was a bit cold. She was happy in the end, thanks to Daddy.
Brett helping Abby through a rough moment.

One of the graves I picked because she had my name.

Me, Abby and Brenda with our wreaths.

Gingerbread Goodness

Abby and I got together with a bunch of good friends last Friday. We all have kids within a couple months of each other so it's a lot of fun to chat. With it being the Christmas Season, I thought it would be fun to decorate gingerbread houses. My mom has a tradition of making these every Christmas, so we wanted to keep that tradition going. There were 7 one-year olds running around the house all at the same time...it was a party. The kids were actually really good while we decorated and had lunch. It was a great time! Hopefully we can do this every year. Thanks Mom for the awesome tradition!

The 'Before' shot. It took a bit of practice to figure out to make them and the houses definitely had their flaws, but hopefully with time I will get better and better at it.

The finished product. Kimi and Jessica with their houses.

Macie, Abby and Jensen having a blast on the couch.

Kristina and Susanna decorating.

Fun memories! I love this time of year.

Family Photo Shoot...

My good friend, Steph, took these pictures of us over Thanksgiving and she did a great job! Thanks Steph, you're the best!












Here are some more fun color variations she did of some of the same pictures...She is so talented.

A Walk In the Park

We went to Cherry Hill Park by our house today to play and take some pictures. Abby had a blast running through the leaves and climbing stairs with only a few tantrums.



I just have to kiss these cheeks.


She's growing up way too fast.