It's about time...

Christmas! We had a wonderful Christmas! Papa, Nana, Spencer, and Aaron made the long trip to be here. It was so great to have family in town for one of the happiest times of the year.

They arrived Thursday night and Friday morning the fun began. First destination: the DC Botanica Garden. It was a pretty chilly day but I think the Train exhibit featuring Thomas, Percy, and James made it all worth it. Dane and Eliza were so excited they could have stood watching the trains for hours.

After the trains we were introduced to a great Hamburger Eatery just behind the Library of Congress. It's called the Good Eats Eatery. Aaron had found it on a previous trip through DC. That was some good eats. Definitely one of the best Hamburgers I have eaten.

Saturday (Christmas Eve) we spent at Mount Vernon. What a great place to spend some time at Christmas. The decorated Christmas Trees, the extended tour of Washington's Home, and the very timely Introduction Movie made it seem very festive. It was great to be reminded of those who came before us that fought for our freedoms! God Bless America! (Pictures on a different camera...perhaps they will make it to the blog one day!)

Christmas Eve was just perfect. We sang Christmas Songs together, read the Nativity Story while acting it out with flannel board cutouts. We then watched a quick video about the Wise Men and then to top the night off the men sang an extemporaneous quartet of "With Wondering Awe" accompanied by my momma. ( I believe that was the song). The spirit of Christmas filled our home!

and of course...CHRISTMAS MORNING. Dane was so excited. He definitely understood Santa, presents, toys, etc. He told us over and over he wanted trains for Christmas. Trains were definitely delivered! (Thanks Nana and Grandma) As Dane walked down the stairs and saw all the gifts his first reaction was to start passing gifts to everyone. He wanted everyone to have a present. What a kid!! Eliza was just excited to be there! We spent the morning opening gifts, enjoying bread from a local bakery, and being together with family!

Dane still talks about Santa. I have a feeling we will be talking about Santa all year long. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Until next year....