Downtown DC

While Nana & Papa were still around, we took advantage of a beautiful day by spending it downtown at Arlington National Cemetery and checking out the National Christmas Tree. The Yates joined us for the outing.


Papa, Alex, Nana, and the Washington Monument.



Alex being cute.



The girls hanging out.



Group shot by the big tree.



Cote-Nances and the Yates by the big tree.



Great shot with the White House in the background.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day came with a flurry. Alex actually slept in until around 8:00 AM. Santa was good to everybody, especially Alex.



Bunny got a new blankie.



Alex helped dad put the star on, granted a bit late.



The post-present opening extravaganza.



Who knows.



After all the excitement, Papa needs a nap.



Alex with her new, and old, American Girl doll.

Christmas Eve

Jen's parents and the Yates joined us for Christmas Eve. The suave gentlemen that Ry-Ry is, he brought Alex a rose. Everyone was all dressed up for a nice relaxing evening of good food and better company.



Dapper boys and a pretty girl.



Ah yes, the Christmas ham.



Cote-Nance shot.



Nana & Papa join the photo shoot.



Now that is one good looking family.



I think she likes it.



Ryan loves his "Cars".



The kid table.

Polar Express Party

Alex threw a Polar Express party for a few friends to get into the Christmas spirit. Natalie and Ryan joined us for the movie and the decorating of gingerbread cookies.



Master at work.



More sugar.



Ryan decides to use ALL the green sprinkles.



Natalie looks happy (or is it all the sugar?)



Every gingerbread cookie needs some blue hair.



Nice and messy.



Yummy.



Ryan sure likes the Polly Pockets!

Christmas Show at Open Arms

Open Arms school had a Christmas show in the middle of December. Joe was travelling back from meetings in California, so Jen & Alex hooked up with Dave, Heather, and Ryan for dinner and the show. But first, there were pictures at the Yates' house.



Alex in her Christmas best.



Look at that cute kid in a suit.



Now that is a keeper.



They almost look a bit shy.



Here comes the Christmas ham.



That is our girl.



Alex mentors Ryan on the art of silly.



And now, the Christmas show.

The Smiths Come to Town

The Smith clan came roaring into town early December as they moved from South Carolina to Maryland. They stayed the weekend and everyone had a blast.




Alex & Jen prepare the fixin's for the gingerbread house.




Yep, mom's little helper.




"I am not a c(r)ook"



Alex gives a thumbs up to a late birthday present.



Snow is a novelty to folks from South Carolina.



Caroline, Alex, and Sarah play in the basement.



All the kids get in on the silliness.




Matthew discovers the doggie door.



Sarah gets dresses up to go out on the town - look out Clyde's, here she comes.





Tubby time!




Matthew loves getting clean.



Gingerbread house time.



Don't forget the front door.




And now for the finishing touches.



There went some of the shingles.



Fineto!



Now what?



Caroline snacks on the front steps.



The girls admire their handy work.



Story time.



Matthew is reading already.



"Goodnight stars, Goodnight air, Goodnight noises everywhere ....."