New Year, New Blog

Our blog is so full of memories. In fact it is so full that I can't add anymore pictures. I refuse to pay the monthly fee for the upgrade, so I have started a new family blog instead. If you want to keep up to date with the Bishop family happenings check us out HERE.

In fact, I have already put up my first post!

Post Christmas: Shrek the Halls

On Friday we went to Ice! at the Gaylord Hotel in the National Harbor. The theme this year was Shrek the Halls. In order to keep the ice, well ice, they keep the place at around 12 degrees F. They hand out huge blue coats to put over top of the coats you are already wearing.

Before you go in, they show a movie about how the Ice! show came about. Someone visited China where they have a snow and ice show each year and brought the idea back to the states. It is amazing to think of the hours the carvers spent making each detail. EVERYTHING was made out of ice!

Post Christmas: Temple Day

Michael's sister received her mission call a couple of weeks before Christmas. This gave us the opportunity to attend the temple with her over Christmas break. I opted to wait in the visitor's center with the kids. While Rebecca was holding Elise I held down the fort with four kids under 4. Luckily it was early enough in the day that the visitor's center was basically empty. I don't think we disturbed too many people.

Nathan and Miriam listened quietly to a movie about the Book of Mormon.

Abby and Simon tried to climb over the bench during the movie.

Miriam and Nathan got a kick out of trading shoes.

Abby and Simon crawled around the floor.

After the rest of the adults got out of the temple we went to a nearby restaurant for a quick dinner before heading back to the temple to see the Christmas lights. We bundled up the kids and took some quick pictures before deciding to call it a night. It was a long day for the kids, but they were so good and patient. It is always so rewarding to see your kids excitement for the temple.

Post Christmas: Air and Space

The day after Christmas we had a relaxing day before heading to the Air and Space Museum. If you go after 4:00 pm parking is free. We figured a little over an hour was plenty for the little ones. You can only look at so many airplanes when you are that small.

a real space suit 

in front of the Space Shuttle Discovery

 

Miriam putting her camera (that Santa brought) to good use

why yes, my kids were the ones hanging from the poles

Simon's new favorite, sticking out his tongue

After the museum Dad/Grandpa wanted to feed all the hungry mouths, so we decided to hit up Cafe Rio. I definitely can't complain about ending the night with a huge pork burrito.

The Rest of Christmas

After spending Christmas morning at home, we headed over to Michael's parents for round two.

The rest of the family waited to open a few gifts until we got there.

I surprised Michael with a new electric razor... he thought he was done opening gifts from me when we left home.

Miriam and Simon got spoiled once again by Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

It was a perfectly paced Christmas for me.

I didn't feel rushed and felt I enjoyed the day.

We all had a very merry Christmas with the Bishop family.

Our First Family Christmas

This year we decided to spend Christmas morning at home with just our family. It was nice to have a low-key, slow paced morning together. The kids slept until 8:30, then we got up and had breakfast. After we got dressed it was time to open presents.

Simon and Miriam were so excited to see what Santa left for them. Miriam knew right away what to do with her presents. Simon on the other hand was unsure at first, but got the hang of it quickly. While each person was opening their present he would yell out, "What is it?". Then when it was open he would yell, "Open it". They both wanted to stop and play with everything right away. I guess that is a sign of successful gift giving. I love being able to see the excitement of my kids. Being a parent during the holidays is wonderful.

I managed to take a couple of videos:

Christmas 1 from Vanessa Bishop on Vimeo.

Christmas 2 from Vanessa Bishop on Vimeo.

Miriam and Simon even had fun when it was time to clean up, which wouldn't have been complete without costumes. Super Simon and Princess Miriam seemed to have a great Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with Michael's family. We ate a delicious ham dinner, talked about the birth of Jesus, and let the kids play. I forgot to take my camera out the whole time. I really need to do better with that.

When we got home Miriam and Simon exchanged gifts. (Luckily I took pictures.) Before heading to bed they left cookies and a note out for Santa. Christmas really is so much better once you have kids. Their excitement is magical.