December Extras

In December:

*We had a lot of sick days. Everyone seemed to have their turn.
*Michael took Miriam to our stake's performance of The Messiah
*We enjoyed spending time with cousins
*Michael and Vanessa got to go on a date
*Grandma Bishop went to eat lunch with Miriam at school
*Miriam had her first cavity filled
*We spent New Year's Eve with the Braswell family

Celebrating Eight Years

Since our anniversary is during the holiday season it is often hard to get away and celebrate. This year I surprised Michael with dinner in downtown DC at Fogo de Chao. Since we were early for our reservation we walked over to the White House to check out the Christmas tree. It is crazy that we were doing the same thing 8 years ago.

Here we are 8 years ago in front of The White House. We were poor college students, so a honeymoon to DC was the best we could do. We didn't know then that we would be moving here 2 1/2 years later.

At dinner we stuffed ourselves with all the delicious meat we could eat. Since we mentioned we were celebrating our anniversary our waitress brought us a dessert after we ate. It was a great time together celebrating eight years of marriage. It is always nice to get away and spend time alone. (We are grateful to live close to Michael's parents who are willing to take our kids for the night in order to make it happen.) It is so wonderful to be married to your best friend.

Temple Lights

This year we had the best idea for seeing the Christmas lights at the Washington DC temple. We decided we would go early (before it got dark). We walked around outside and took pictures with basically no one else there. The kids got to see the nativity and the temple in the daylight.

After taking a few pictures we headed into the visitor's center to see the nativities and Christmas trees. Miriam and Simon wanted a picture in front of almost every tree. Levi soon followed their example and posed in front of the trees.

We were ready to leave right when a lot of people were coming in. We went outside to see the Christmas lights and take a few more pictures. We were on our way before it got really crowded. It was a really fun evening (plus the fact that it was warm enough to not need jackets was a huge bonus). We will definitely be doing it again this way next year.

Christmas 2015

This year was another wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed our morning at home as a family. Miriam, Simon, and Levi were excited to give each other gifts this year. Instead of drawing names they decided to get a gift for both siblings. I love the spirit and excitement of Christmas. We are so thankful for all the thoughtful gifts we received. We appreciate all the love sent through the gifts.

Michael received gloves, a phone charger for his car, socks, a winter hat, and a Garmin fitness band.

Vanessa received a carpet cleaner - for Michael to clean the carpets :), a Fitbit, a gift card to the nail salon, and a nativity countdown.

This Christmas was the year of the Shopkins for Miriam. She got a cash register, a Doc McStuffins doctor kit, the Shopkins small mart and fridge, an Ariel nightgown, palace pets, a plush Ariel, books, a Shopkins carrier, and lots of Shopkins. Grandma and Grandpa Braswell sent her a dress, a bag set, and some Shopkins.

Simon was a bit all over the place this year. He couldn't contain his excitement each time it was his turn to open a present. As you might have guessed, Simon loves TMNT. He got the turtle lair, stealth tech Leo, TMNT pajamas, BeBop and Rock Steady, head droppin' Raph and Mikey, a plush Raph, books, a bow and arrow, Mikey's sound effect nunchuck, a Shopkins carrier, and some Shopkins. Grandma and Grandpa Braswell sent him the TMNT battle pack with 2 vehicles and some half-shell heroes.

Levi wasn't so sure about presents this year. He started out pretty sad and it was hard to convince him to open his presents. However, Simon got him the golden gift this year... a toy vacuum. He was happy after that. Levi also got a drum with musical instruments, Potato Head Avengers, Disney Junior figures, clothes, books, Disney Little People, and Mickey Mouse magnets. Grandma and Grandpa Braswell sent him some clothes, balls, and a Little People tractor. 

As a special gift this year I made the kids a personalized book with pictures from Disney World. Each one was different (and took forever to make). I am so glad I made them for Miriam, Simon, and Levi to remember our amazing trip to Disney World.

After we were done with presents we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. The kids were excited for them to open the gifts we got for them. Unfortunately I didn't take very many pictures of the kids opening their presents. Miriam got a Shopkins fashion spree set and a wooden M hand decorated by Grandma and Grandpa. Simon got a TMNT flashlight and a Raph car. Levi got a play tent. Michael and Vanessa got a wooden cutting board made by Michael's dad and a WDMyCloud to back up our files on the computer.

I think this last picture sums it all up, Christmas was happy and exhausting. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

(tiny disclaimer - I am writing this post way after Christmas - I can't remember all the things we got - I'm sorry if I forgot something - the gifts were loved just the same)