Merry Christmas!

After our visit in Ohio, we made the long drive to Connecticut. The kids were troupers -- enduring about 15 hours in the car in one day. Once we arrived and got settled on Christmas eve morning, we all agreed that it was well worth it! 

On Christmas eve, Gavin played the part of Santa . . .

. . . and an overexcited three year old.

On Christmas morning, Santa surprised Gavin with a pirate ship.

Molly's baby dolls were happy that Santa left a stroller under the tree.  It sure beats the grocery cart that she was using before.

And, Gavin turned into Super G with his new cape from Aunt Emily and Uncle Matt.

A fun Christmas was had by all!

Snowy Day!

Our visit to Connecticut brought some pretty decent snow.  It wasn't the blizzard that we were anticipating, but it was enough for some good runs down the hill at Grammy and Grandpa's house.

Gavin enjoyed taking turns with Laura, Daddy and Andy.

Daddy proved to be a little out of practice . . .

Can you find Gavin?

Lucy is coming to the rescue here.

In the end, it was no contest.  Gavin preferred Auntie Laura's hands-free steering best of all.

Early Christmas in Cincinnati

The kids, along with Nonnie and Pops, were quite busy during our early Christmas visit to Cincinnati.

We visited the Zoo Lights one evening.

Mom and Dad snuck away for a great dinner for Rob's birthday.



The kids were all smiles at their first Christmas celebration of 2010 at Nonnie's house.

Molly was a pro at unwrapping gifts -- but a little daintier than her big bro.

Molly enjoyed the Conservatory where the kids took in all the holiday flowers.

The kids also visited the trains downtown, which is a long-time Christmas tradition for Daddy's birthday.

And last but certainly not least, they made a trip to Skyline where Molly enjoyed her first cheese coney. 

Thanks for a great visit, Nonnie and Pops!



Breakfast with Santa

Nonnie and Pops treated us to breakfast with Santa while we were in Cincinnati for an early Christmas.  Nonnie must have pulled some strings because we lucky enough to be seated right next to Santa's chair!

Rob snapped this picture right as Santa entered the room.  Tis the season of joy and wonder!



Gavin surprised his parents when he told Santa that he really wanted a pirate ship for Christmas.  Santa's elves were busy making that gift appear under the tree!

Lots of Holiday Cheer!

The month of December was filled with lots of holiday cheer.

Rob took the kids to see the Scottish Christmas parade in Old Town Alexandria.

We made our first McCracken gingerbread house.

We baked dozens and dozens of gingerbread men and women.

Gavin helped us decorate and much to his mom's chagrin insisted on using all four different types of sprinkles on every cookie.