The Capitol Building

We really wanted to take my parents to see the Capitol Building. We had never been on the tour. We got our tickets online a month in advance and just waited for the big day. With traffic and an extra long Metro ride we were pretty late for our appointed time. Luckily we got to go in anyways... SO WORTH IT! It is a must see for anyone visiting the area. They take you on a guided tour (our tour guide Mike was a retired history teacher and was an awesome guide) There was so much history and beauty. It really is incredible...

Christmas continued...

Even though the weather was crappy we still wanted to show Laura around the big city. So Sunday morning we froze our arses off all in an effort to go to the top of the Washington Monument. I think it was worth it. I mean we survived :)

This was Laura's shot in front of the white house. It was as close as we were getting. Next time...

Christmas Morning

One of the biggest hits this year was one of Myles' gifts. Grandma and Grandpa gave him a wiggle car. Everyone enjoyed it, even the grown ups.

Funny thing though, it was Myles' present but the only picture I have of him using it is above where he is just loading up the dog to have a ride with Noah.

Tradition...

It's a tradition. Every year. For as long as I can remember.

I love it.
I am not sure they love it as much as me.

Visit with Santa

The yearly visit with the big guy. We have to have this experience right? Myles LOVED it. Noah was more than a little leery of Santa. Myles requested an Iron Man game, books and some new shoes and some books for his baby brother. Santa told him to remember to be good all year long.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we went to visit Mt. Vernon, home of the Washington's. This is one of my very favorite places to visit. I just love the history of it and I love seeing the home that they made. It is pretty incredible. I got an annual pass for Christmas (thanks again Susan and Dennis) and cannot wait to go back many times and see everything. It was super super cold that day but we managed to see some of the grounds and get the tour of the house.

The National Thanksgiving turkey Apple now lives at Mount Vernon. He was pardoned last month by President Obama and will live out his life on this farm.


For the record he wasn't really friendly.

It seems our founding father had a penchant for exotic animals, and in 1787 he paid 18 schillings to bring a camel at Christmastime to entertain his guests. This years camel is Aladdin. He didn't even move the whole time we were looking at him.

Happy Christmas from the Washington's!

December 23

On December 23rd Grandpa and Laura flew out to spend Christmas with us. (Grandma came a week earlier) We picked them up from the airport, went to dinner and then took them to the Washington DC temple to see the lights. It was quite an adventure. But once we were able to finally get there it was so nice to be able to see all the beautiful lights. We were able to see a really nice Christmas program put on by the Sister missionaries and see all kinds of nativities from around the world.

Noah warming up to Grandpa. He wasn't too sure at first but by the end of the night they were best buddies.

One of my favorite nativities.

We were so lucky to have everyone here for Christmas.

I feel blessed to have these people in my life.

First Party~ Part Two

First Party~ Part One

THE ZOO

Aunt Susan came up to spend the weekend with us and help us celebrate Noah's first birthday. We spent the morning at the Washington DC zoo. Noah didn't feel very well so we cut the day short and headed home.

(one sick little boy)

(best picture ever taken of me)

There are days I wish I could lock them in a cage.