Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Recovery

We are so thankful that Tim's company is officially closed this week!
Hurrah!
That means the he could join us for some
much-needed
post-holiday
R&R!
We spent most of the first part of the week just lounging around.
Then, today, we finally got out of our pajamas
and headed over to the Gaylord hotel at National Harbor.
Matthew was adorable in his puppy paws
and hat!
For those of you who remember
check this out!

Kate was filled with anticipation as we waited
for our turn to ride the Potomac Express Train.
She could hardly contain her excitement.
Only this time...


... she actually got on the train...
... stayed on the train...
... and had a blast!

Sweet kisses for baby brother

Third Christmas!

After naps on Christmas Day,
we (finally) got out of our pajamas
and headed to Springfield for a third Christmas celebration -
this time with the NoVA Gleasons!
Aunt Karin was the Elf!
Nana and Great Pop
Cousins Lee and Brendan

Kate was delighted with her pillow pet!
And a soft bowling set!
Thanks, guys!

Second Christmas!

As soon as the last presents were unwrapped on Christmas morning,
it was time to get ready for our Second Christmas
with Uncle Ted, Aunt Annie, Abby and Barrett!
We all enjoyed a yummy brunch...


... and another round of opening presents!



Then, we got out Kate's new parachute!
I think it was hit...
but take a look at these pictures
and let me know what you think.



Just in case the kids weren't hyper enough
from the present-opening and parachute-play,
we decided to serve some dessert before naps!
In theory, the Jello Jigglers were for the kids
and Aunt Annie's impressive cherpumple was for the adults
but there was plenty of cross-over!

For those of you that don't read the Wall Street Journal,
a "cherpumple" is a layered dessert
that combines a cherry pie baked inside of a white cake,
a pumpkin pie baked inside of a yellow cake,
and an apple pie baked inside a spice cake.
The result is pure gluttony!

As per usual, Matthew slept through most of the festivities!


First Christmas!

Christmas really is a special time with the kids!
Kate, in particular, is at a fun age for it.
She learned the story about the birth of Jesus
and can tell you all about mangers, shephers and angels.
Her sweet singing of Christmas carols and hymns
often filled the house.
She was very interested in all of the preparation at home.
She helped with the baking, decorating and wrapping.
She was very thoughtful when selecting a present for Matthew
(which, by the way, was a Little Tykes basketball hoop!).
So, when Christmas morning finally came,
she knew what to expect
and was filled with joyful anticipation!
She insisted that each and every Miss Daisy
participate in the Christmas morning fun!
Matthew also played his role of sweet infant perfectly!
Of course, he was completely oblivious
about what all the ruckus was about...
but he loved watching his big sister run around
and he was perfectly content with this milk!
Matthew received many nice gifts
but, so far, Bo (the bear) and Banjo (the doggie) are favorites!
In fact, I think Banjo may become Matthew's "Miss Daisy" equivalent!

Kate enjoyed opening her own gifts...
... and Grandma's...

... and Papa's!