Christmas 2010

After a busy run up to the holidays, we had a relaxing Christmas at home with Bryant’s parents.  We went to eat at our favorite German restaurant--Old Europe--and attended Christmas Eve mass at St. Mary’s.  This was the first year that Henry was old enough to understand Santa Claus (thanks, in part, to a talking book rendition of “The Night before Christmas” from Mimi Pauline), and he enjoyed setting out cookies and milk for Santa (and carrots for the reindeer).  We also were glad to have Vivian with us this year.  She spent last Christmas in the hospital, recovering from meningitis (see Christmas 2009).

On Christmas morning, the kids seemed a little overwhelmed by all the presents (as did mommy and daddy).  Henry received a castle, a red wagon, lots of new books and games, and the Toy Story 3 DVD, which quickly became his new favorite movie.  Vivian received a toddler trampoline, a tea set, and a baby doll stroller and crib.  Bryant and Elise got a new printer and, courtesy of Bryant’s parents, a 42 inch flat screen TV and Blu-ray disc player for the basement.  Now, if we only had more time to watch TV…

 

The day after Christmas, we visited the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor, just across the river from Alexandria.  Every year the hotel hosts an ice sculpture exhibit and other seasonal activities.  This year’s theme was “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”  We had brunch with the Grinch at the hotel (and got to watch the cartoon while eating green eggs and ham) and then toured the ice sculpture exhibit (see pictures below).  Afterwards, Henry, Elise and Paw Paw tried their hand at ice skating.  Paw Paw never made it to the rink, but Elise and Henry went around several times.  Henry really enjoyed ice skating – so much so that Elise is now thinking about signing him up for lessons.

 

 

For a while it looked like we might get hit with the big snowstorm that was headed for the East Coast, but in the end, all we got were some flurries and lots of wind.  It wasn’t a White Christmas, but it was good weather for eating leftovers from Mimi’s delicious Christmas dinner and some homemade gumbo.  On Monday, we said good bye to Mimi and Paw Paw and returned to the work/school routine, wondering how long it would take to dismantle the tree and put away all the decorations (about two months this year).