Allie and Josie's 2nd Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Allie and Josie's 2nd birthday!  I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by.  Our theme for this year's party was ice cream parlor.  The kids enjoyed playing with the ice cream cone toss, felt board and pinata and everyone liked making their own ice cream sundae!  We are so grateful to all who came out and celebrated with us.  Here are some pictures!

Christmas 2012

We continued our tradition of making the trip home to NH to be with the Sewalls for Christmas.  I really enjoyed watching Lucas' excitement this year.  Christmas morning Frances, MaryAnn and I were up before everyone else having a cup of coffee and admiring the tree (we were too excited to sleep as if we were kids again!).  It was like the calm before the storm, because once all of the children were up there was lots of excitement and unwrapping!  Santa was very generous to all this year.  That must mean we are all very good :)

Christmas with Grandma and Papa

The weekend before Christmas my parents always come out to VA to celebrate my birthday and an early Christmas.  They were able to participate in some special activities like Lucas' school holiday tea and our playgroup holiday party.  My parents also graciously (with the help of my Aunt Carol) watched the kiddos overnight so that Steve could take me for a little birthday stay-cation.  We walked around Georgetown and went to Marcel's for dinner.  It was the first time we had been away (even if just for one night) in 4 years!

Thanksgiving and Dad's Surprise Party

This year we decided to have a surprise 80th birthday party for my dad the day after Thanksgiving.  His birthday isn't until January, but a lot of his friends are in Florida during that time so we figured this was the best way to get everyone together!  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our family, and then really enjoyed gathering the next day with more family and friends.  My dad was very surprised!