We’ve been trying to take the girls to DC more the past few years as there is so much history and sights to take advantage of visiting. So often when we go to DC, we go near the Washington Monument and stay within the general vicinity as the girls aren’t as enthused about walking mass distances as much as Justin and I are. The last time we went to DC, I knew that the next time I wanted to visit the Lincoln Memorial. I don’t know that I had ever seen first hand (at least from what I can remember) the famous view of the wading pool and the monument from the steps of The Lincoln Memorial (I know…slightly embarrassing being that I am 37 and have lived in Northern Virginia my entire life). Anyway, so we went today finally….we drove and parked with ease. I didn’t give any thought to the upcoming inauguration and how the view that I had been longing to see would be obstructed by massive amounts of scaffolding in preparation for this coming weekend’s inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. 
A different angle allowed for a slightly less obstructed view. 
Despite the obstructed view, it was really cool to see all the preparation going into the inauguration. Avery and Emerson are starting to learn about Presidents and U.S. history at school and they both were adamant that they wanted to come to the city again Friday to participate in the inauguration. Avery was very excited to get her picture taken with Abraham Lincoln so that she could show her teacher. 
Avery also wanted her picture with Mommy to show her teacher.
Emerson was moody off and on and if she was going to participate in any pictures, it was going to be on her own terms.
Although once Avery wanted her picture with me, she suddenly felt like she might just not want to miss out….although, she still clearly wanted to get her point across.
Meanwhile, Harper was sitting in the stroller where she refused to get out for much of our time in D.C. (If you look real closely above Avery’s head in the above picture, you can see her sitting in the stroller….our only picture of her today). I also only captured one photo of Justin.
Our next stop was The Martin Luther King Junior Memorial. The girls learned about MLK at school this week since tomorrow is MLK Day. It amazes me to hear them explain who he was and what he represented. Clearing they are taking everything in that they learn at school and it amazes me and makes me so happy to hear them explain U.S. history and all the other things they are learning at school. Anyway, the MLK Memorial is about a 12 minute walk from the Lincoln Memorial; however, Justin and I are both directionally challenged so we managed to turn it into about a 35 to 40 minute walk. Emerson wasn’t impressed and she kept track of how many times Justin and I took a wrong turn. While the day was enjoyable, this was a weak moment for me as I let my frustration get the best of me and I was taking it on Justin and the girls. I realized it though and was able to snap out of it pretty quickly but I shouldn’t have even let it get to that point. Forty minutes later we finally found the MLK Memorial where again Avery wanted her picture with MLK by herself so she could show her teacher. 
We ate a late lunch (close to 2:30) afterwards at Potbelly’s, where the girls even got to have dessert as a special treat. We took our time eating and were home by 4:00 AND Justin, Emerson, and I took a nap for an hour after we got home while Avery and Harper quietly played together! It was a great day and I can’t wait to go back to DC again soon.
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First Snow of the Season
Saturday morning was the first snow of the season. In total it probably snowed only an inch, maybe two, but it was enough for the girls to go out and play and even do a little sledding. We watched the snow falling through the kitchen window while we were eating breakfast and the excitement in their faces and bodies was palpable. We bundled the girls up. Avery and Emerson’s snow suits from last year still fit and I somehow managed to get Harper into the size 18 months snow suit that she has been wearing the last two years once Avery and Emerson got their current snowsuits and she got their hand me downs. Speaking of hand me downs; Harper wore Avery’s snow boots from last year, Avery wore Emerson’s snow boots from last year and Emerson got snow boots for Christmas. The girls realize hand me downs are a norm in our house for certain items and they not only accept it, but Harper is thrilled when something of Avery’s and Emerson’s finally becomes all hers!
After bundling the girls up, I was sure that someone would have to go to the bathroom shortly thereafter. I was wrong. They played outside for probably two hours. They swept the street, made snow angels, played with a Christmas tree that a neighbor had set out for the trash, and went sledding. 
Justin and I were outside with them and we managed to walk up and down the street repeatedly while they were entertaining themselves, allowing us to actually get a decent workout in despite not going to the gym that morning. It was awesome to realize they are getting more independent but also made us realize they are growing up so quickly….too quickly sometimes! They had a great time playing and it was so much fun watching the excitement they were having playing in the snow.
Luray Caverns
This winter break Justin and I have continued to have a good mix of enjoying the holidays relatively stress free, doing fun things with the girls, getting a lot of organizing done in the house, almost daily workouts, and still managed to work a few hours here and there. Honestly, it has been the perfect mix! Anyway, as part of the “fun” things to do with the girls, today was supposed to be a day trip to D.C. But the weather was just too cold and windy for it to be the enjoyable experience that we wanted it to be. So last minute, we decided to change it up and go to Luray Caverns. I had been a few times as a kid, Justin had never been, nor had the girls been. The drive was an hour and a half and was quite scenic and beautiful! Harper wanted to be held pretty much the entire time but I bribed her with the promise of dessert…I know…great parenting techniques:). Avery took charge and pretty much led the way. Emerson was not totally into it but she was a trooper and when we talked more about the sights we saw at dinner later that evening, she seemed to grow a little more interested. 
Hanukkah and Christmas 2016
Hanukkah was very late this year and the first night of Hanukkah was Christmas Eve! We went to a Hanukkah party at the Roth’s the night before the first night of Hanukkah…we considered it a practice run. The girls had fun and really enjoy hanging out with Ella and Ashely. I should have taken some pictures but I didn’t. Justin did take a video though of us lighting the menorah and saying the blessing.
Since Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday and we had to light the menorah after we got home from Christmas Eve dinner, we decided to go to the 4:00 church service. We took a ton of pictures earlier in the day….
….and then again before the service and I know I am including way too many pictures but I seriously love so many of them as they truly show each of the girls personalities.
The girls were very well behaved at church. After church, we went to PF Changs for dinner, same as last year. We had a few minutes to spare so we were walking around the mall when Emerson and Harper spotted Santa while I was in the bathroom with Avery. They wanted to see Santa and there was no line. SO….we did it…We FINALLY “took” the girls to see Santa. Emerson was the only brave one who wanted to sit on Santa’s lap. Harper wanted to be in the picture but she didn’t want to sit on Santa’s lap. Avery did not want to even be in the picture but she finally decided she would join in…as far away from Santa as possible. 
Dinner was delicious! I ate way too much! After dinner, we lit the menorah for the first night of Hanukkah. Emerson didn’t want to participate. They have been learning about fire safety at school recently and I think she was scared of the fire in the house.
The girls opened up Hannukah presents, which like many years the first night’s present are ironically Christmas pajamas. 
How cute are these?! I almost didn’t buy any this year as they still have two pairs of Christmas pajamas that fit from prior years. BUT I am so glad I did! Look at my little elves!
Seriously, these girls melt my heart! Christmas morning the girls woke up normal time…a little after 8:00. 
Emerson woke up first, then Avery, and they patiently waited for Harper to get up before going downstairs to see what Santa brought. The girls were thrilled to see that Santa brought new and better sleds this year, sleeping bags, princess barbies, and each of the other things on the girls list (i.e. Lip gloss, feather pens, chocolate, a music box). 
While the girls had a sneak peak of what Santa brought (since Santa doesn’t wrap his gifts at our home), we ventured downstairs to see what Santa left in our stockings and to see if he and the reindeer had eaten the cookies and carrots we left for them. They had!
After we opened up the gifts from Santa, we ate breakfast, which is always a favorite in our house. This year it was berries; lemon ricotta muffins; a pepper, squash, chive, and goat cheese frittata; and bacon and sausage. Yum!
We took our time opening presents after breakfast.
In the afternoon, we lounged around, followed by an afternoon walk in the neighborhood before Papa and Grandma and Grandma Adele came over for an Italian theme Christmas dinner and more present opening. Since it was Day 2 of Hanukkah, we also lit the menorah. 
Seriously, look at these precious girls! How could it be anything but a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Mani/Pedi’s
This is the second week that the girls have been off of school for winter break. For the second week, Justin and I are trying to do some special outings with the girls. This evening it was the older girls turn time with Mommy for mani/pedi’s. The girls picking out their polish (Avery rolled her pants up in the car in preparation for her pedi…and yes that is Emerson with straight hair!)
The fact that you can barely see Emerson in this picture cracks me up….but it is the three of us!
We tried out a new salon and the customer service was great. Both girls got a drink and a peppermint patty. They had a choice of water or ice tea. Emerson choose the ice tea and then when asked if she wanted sweet tea or unsweetened, she matter of factly responded sweet. I don’t like ice tea and frankly I had no idea she knew what it was. Anyway, I think they both felt pretty special and had a great time. 
Mom and Grandma – Birthday Celebration
This past Sunday we celebrated my mom’s 65th birthday and my grandma’s 89th birthday. We had dinner at Chef Geoff’s…food was good, service was good, the girl’s were well behaved, and my mom and grandma enjoyed and appreciated their gifts and the fun night out. 
Happy Birthday Mom and Grandma!
Sunday Hike
Saturday night Justin got the idea to go for a hike with the girls via our backyard. We got off to an early start to the gym Sunday morning so that we could go on our hike right after a normal time lunch (a.k.a. noon and not our normal lunch time of 1:30 even 2:00 on a weekend). I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to adequately explain the feelings Justin and I have when we are in the woods right behind our house. These trees are enormous and you can the panoramic view is so peaceful and breathtaking. Literally three minutes after walking outside our back door, it feels like we are in isolation. Yet because we know we are not, it is so magical.
The girls were on a log that wasn’t steady and the second picture is right before they all fell off.
While the tree branches and paths are clearest during fall and winter, there are still branches and trees to maneuver through, which is still a little scary for the girls, especially Avery and Harper. We made it through to the bike path and then crossed over to the path that leads to Meadowlark. The girls were feeling confident and wanted to walk all the way to Meadowlark. We figured why not. Avery kept saying “I’ve got this”. We approached the back side of Meadowlark and while the girls were still doing well, Justin and I were a little fearful that there would be a meltdown at some point making the way back home difficult. So we decided to turn around saying we made it to Meadowlark (which we did sort ofJ). One or two of the girls may have popped a squat along the path (starting them young)! Then we stopped once we reached the bike path again for a refuel with granola bars. 
We walked back home via the Hillington entrance path.
It was so much fun! The girls did awesome and we can’t wait to go on a family hike again!
Happy Thanksgiving
Serious face…
Okay, funny face…
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Show Me Your Nuts
Last night at 7:30 we were finishing up dinner and having the girls take turns of presenting their artwork portfolio and Tuesday folder information. In Avery’s Tuesday folder, she pulls out a homework assignment due TODAY to find acorns! Seriously! The girls get off the bus at 4:30 and it gets dark at 5:15 and this homework is due tomorrow! Are you telling me I’m the only parent who looks at the Tuesday folder information Tuesday evening AFTER I get home from work!
Nonetheless, Justin pulled out the flashlight and Avery and him bundled up and went outside in the backyard for a few minutes and came back with their little snack bag filled with acorns. That’s my girl and guy:)
So this morning Justin overhears Emerson talking to Avery while eating breakfast…”Avery, show me your nuts.”
Yes, I am 37 years old, but some things never get old!
Quattro Gumba
Saturday afternoon we headed to Quatrro Gumba Winery and Brewery where we met the Russo’s. We enjoyed good beer and pizza. The kids had fun running around and playing with one another. Allison and I even snuck away for a half hour for a wine tasting. Jamie and Justin held down the fort with the five kids and apparently many onlookers thought they were a couple:). We tried to get a good picture of the five kids….while I took 15 pictures, not a single one were they all looking in the same direction. They were still cute though because they represent kids being kids. (Notice Owen and Emerson’s hands):)
