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.

Christmas Parade and Christmas List

Last Saturday we went to a small Christmas parade in our town. Miriam and Simon loved seeing all the Christmas decorations on the cars, fire truck, and trains. Miriam waved almost the whole parade. We ended up with more candy then we needed, that's for sure.

Miriam has been kind of funny with her Christmas list this year. She told me what she wanted about a month ago, but ever since then she keeps telling me it is a secret and she can't tell me. Anyone that asks will get the same answer. This week I told her about writing a letter to send to Santa. She let me help her write her list. We are all so excited that Christmas is right around the corner.

Our Visit with Santa

Michael's parents kindly passed along the word that Santa would be visiting the clubhouse in their neighborhood. Since we loved seeing him last year, we decided to take the kids again. This year we had to wait about two hours until it was our turn to sit on Santa's lap. If we go next year we are getting there much earlier.

Miriam and Simon were so good and patient while we waited. I overheard the family in line behind us talking about bringing their children to see (the same) Santa for the past twelve years. He takes the time to talk and listen to each child. Each family is also given the chance to take as many pictures as they would like. This is why it takes so long to get through the line. I feel like it was worth it because it is the only time we will take Miriam and Simon to visit Santa.

It was so fun to see Miriam and Simon's excitement. Seeing Santa is sure a special thing. The association also emailed us a few pictures they took of Santa with our kids.

Trunk-or-Treat

For our ward Trunk-or-Treat this year we took advantage of the great weather. Games were set up outside for the kids. Miriam and Simon both enjoyed playing a few games gearing up for the big "race" for the candy. (Trunk-or-Treat is always crazy to me. So many kids let loose at the same time to get candy from a few cars in a parking lot = CHAOS. But that is just me.) It was fun to watch them get excited to see all their friends in costumes. When it was time for trunk-or-treat the kids knew it was candy time. Simon tried to eat a lot of wrappers. Having kids sure makes for holidays that are more fun.

mid-week outing to the farm