We spent a few weeks in UT over Christmas, but before we left, we fit in some festivities here, too. First, an annual trip to our favorite outdoor ice skating rink.
Then, a few decorations . . . (I tried to do very little since we were leaving for the holidays, but Savannah just wouldn't have it - so we put up some small trees).
And of course, Ashkii and Trev took their annual trip to the Army Navy football game in PA. I am pretty sure Trevor lives for this tradition:) The girls and I had fun, too, as we stayed home and painted nails and watched The Muppets Christmas Carol.
Trevor had his first piano recital. He played a "Beauty and the Beast" duet with his teacher, and the Chipmunks Christmas Song. Here he is with his teacher - he loves her, which is good, because it keeps him taking lessons even when he really wants to give up!
And this picture is only included because Ashkii insisted I share it under the title "This is my life!"
Oh, and we also fit in a visit to the DC Temple Lights with Ashkii's cousin's family - we were lucky to have them living in DC for a short time!
Since we were married, Ashkii and I have spent about half of our Thanksgivings in NV with his extended family. But we were lucky this year because some of them came to DC and so we had Thanksgiving here with (I think) 16 of us. It was so fun to have them here! Rachel just adored Ashkii's Aunt BeAnn! Savannah loved setting the tables and making place cards for everyone. And Trevor was just thrilled to have some boys around!
Also last October, the 5 women on Ashkii's side of the family met for a fantastic weekend in Boston. Ashkii's sister Daija and her husband and son still lived there at the time. What a wonderful weekend! I love this part of the country. We went as a family a few years ago but this time I got to see lots of different sites. We enjoyed a trip to Walden Pond. Beautiful!
We also visited the Orchard House - where the Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women lived with her family. She based her book on the lives of herself and her sisters. Love the book and movie so this was really neat! It was fun to learn about how the girls were raised and encouraged to develop their talents - there were beautiful drawings on the walls of the girls rooms and cute little desks near the windows for them to write at. We learned that the girls put on plays and made costumes - which very much reminded me of Savannah. A shelf in one of the rooms held copies of "Little Women" in several different languages.
We stayed in Cape Cod one night and took a ferry over to Martha's Vineyard. I had always wanted to go there - so grateful to have seen it. It is such a picturesque place. I didn't take lots of pictures because I didn't take my good camera, but this will give a glimpse. Wish I had a pic of all five of us. One of the first things we saw were the gingerbread houses - a whole community of them - so cute!!!
And more pictures of the beautiful retreat:
Boston is just such a cool city. One of my favorite places is the Boston Common - a beautiful public park in the city. This is not only just a gorgeous park but it is the setting for the wonderful children's storybook, Make Way for Ducklings, one of my favorites:)
Ashkii's mom talked me into doing a 10K while we were out there. I really am NOT a runner, but it was a good experience, and good motivation to exercise. Vicki and Daija did awesome - I was just happy I finished! It was neat to run through the streets of Boston and over the beautiful bridges.
One night we ate a delicious dinner at PF Chang's and then went to see Wicked. It was so fun to spend time with these ladies without the distraction of kids and husbands - just to talk and enjoy time together. I feel blessed to have such great in-laws. So where are we going next ladies? :)
Last October we went to Arlington Cemetery with Trev's scout group. We have been several times, but never in the Fall - wow, it was gorgeous! We also walked to the Iwo Jima Memorial, which really is majestic.
Our girls bring lots of creativity and imagination to our home. Trevor is a good sport about it (most of the time). One thing they LOVE to do is perform for us, and whoever is willing to watch!
Trev had a great soccer season last fall. He had a great coach and really improved. It was fun to watch - except when he was goalie - I had to take Rachel on a walk because that is just way to much pressure for me to watch! Savannah benefited when other sisters came to watch their brothers play!
