Going Home for Christmas

Santa's sleigh is all packed up. Brianna will be anxiously awaiting our arrival today. Every time I've been home in the past two weeks she asks, "And where are your presents?!" I kept telling her that they were sitting under my tree because I liked to look at them too. I can't blame her though. Who doesn't love when people walk through your front door with piles of colorful presents?!

Night on the Potomac

On Saturday we sailed and dined on a boat that cruised up the icy Potomac River. John is turning 30th this month so it was suppose to be a surprise party for him but that didn't work out so well . We all made it onto the boat in time but the most awkward part about it was that there was a wedding going on in the rest of the boat so we were confined to a tiny little section of the dinning area. The icy waters were a little weird too. The boat was breaking big sheets of ice as it plowed over top of them. I wouldn't recommend going in the winter time, too much like the Titanic.

Some people eating food:
If you looked out the window:
I don't know:
This is for you Rebecca, your earrings were divine!

We were thinking of escaping:
Typical:


And that was that.

Christmas OPI style

Yesterday I was so blessed by my sweet, sweet friend who treated me to an "Appreciation" day. She picked me up, took us to Starbucks to buy peppermint mochas and then treated me to a pedi. It was so delightful and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I still can't believe she did that for me. I feel so loved. I also feel loved by the gold glitter on my toes - couldn't resist the glam. I'll probably go barefoot on Christmas day.

Lullaby

This is what happens every night before we go to bed. He is thoroughly enjoying his birthday present and, even though I don't play, I am too.

Happy Birthday Bek

Last night Jon and Becky flew home from California for Christmas! Yesterday was also Bek's 25th birthday! They went straight from the airport to Jon's parents house for a family birthday dinner. She had no idea that they had invited her parents and Ash, Michael and me to surprise her for dessert! We all stood on the doorstep together and the Butterfields let Bek open the door first. It was so sweet! Tears and hugs all around! It was the first time that Ashleigh had seen baby Nathan!

We all gathered in their living room for nearly 3 hours just talking and passing the baby around. It was such a sweet time and we felt honored to be included in their family.

Nathan is 3 months old and weighs over 17 pounds. He loves to smile at his Aunt Manda, Aunt Ash and Aunt May. We were pretty ridiculous all squeezed together on the love seat cooing over little Nathan in our laps. Michael got to love on Nate too!

December usuals

Christmas shopping is done.

Only one present left to wrap.

Cookie baking has begun.

We started singing Christmas songs weeks ago in church. I could sing them all hanging upside down with my eyes crossed while eating a popsicle and still not miss a beat.

The next two weeks are packed full of events. Everything is planned out.

I could really use a break.

Good thing this little guy is coming to town....(no, not Santa)....

Piano Recital

Little Brianna had her first piano recital last week. My best friend Ashleigh just happens to be her teacher so it was fun to see two of my favorite people play music together. Brianna did such a great job. Both of her pieces were flawless. (She would tell you they were too easy.) She played a solo piece, "Bubblegum" (that was for you Heather) and a Christmas duet with Ashleigh of "Up on the Rooftop."

Brianna is not only cute, but really really talented when it comes to music. I can't wait to watch her grow in it!

So much Love!

Teacher Ashleigh talking to a handful of her students

Girl's Night at Allison's

Allison, You are one awesome chef. Thanks for treating us so well! Can't wait for our next girl's night...

Christmas in Old Town Manassas

Our Community Group (half of us - there's 18 in all!) took a little car ride back to our home town for some Christmas celebrations. We met at Tony's for the best Italian food in the area and then drove to Old Town to see the lights, see Santa, walk around, etc. It was really cold so we hurried over to my parents home for warm drinks, desserts and games by the Christmas tree and fireplace.

Danielle, Danielle and Emily

John and Danielle Tigue
Patrick and Jenny Collins
Geoff and Danielle Peck
Mike and Gillian Economou


It was such a sweet time together. We love those people and are so blessed to be friends with them all! More Christmas fun to come....

Fresh Coat of Paint

Finally after working on it part-time for 2 weeks, we finished painting the downstairs walls. It looks more cozy now.

Before:
After Benjamoore "Stone House:"

Done and done. Michael, you are awesome at painting.

And so begins the season

Christmas time in the home of Los Dos: