Eliza Goes to Washington!

Jess, Eliza, and I spent a couple of days in D.C. earlier this week. Jess was supposed to have a business meeting, but it was cancelled, so we had the whole time free to see the sights. And did we! Eliza was such a trooper. We walked that girl ALL over the city, and it was coooold. We saw the Capitol, the White House, all the monuments and memorials (6 to be exact), and a ton of museums (6 to be exact).

With a Renoir at the National Gallery of Art.

At the gates of the White House. They were getting ready for Chinese President Hu's visit.

Washington Monument. These pics crack me up. We have a bunch of them at various historical landmarks - her sleeping in her stroller - just for the sake of capturing the fact that she was there.

Vietnam War Memorial Wall.

Eliza and I on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was neat to be there on MLK Day.

Jefferson Memorial

Smithsonian Natural History Museum

And there was no shortage of fun back home for the boys with Aunt Julie Ann. Thanks, Aunt Julie, for taking such good care of them!

Snowpalooza 2011

It started snowing late Sunday night, and by Monday morning, the city was shut down. We got a good 4-5 inches at our house ... Now, you Midwesterners might scoff, but that's a TON of snow down here. And to make things even more interesting, it started to freezing rain/sleet, which meant we weren't only snowed in, but ICED in as well. And still are, actually. We are on snow day #2. Nobody's working, the mail is stopped, roads are closed, and the stir crazies are starting to set in. Yesterday, though, was full of SNOW FUN!
Look closely - there really is a baby in there.
And this was the extent of Eliza's snow adventure. Not much fun when you can't even sit up yet.

The boys, however, had a blast.

Of course, there was snowman building.

And even sledding. We brought our garbage can lids down to the park, but some neighbors had actual sleds that they let us borrow. Give Southerners credit for their creativity. Some of my friends used recycling bins, planters, and even a water heater drain pan to sled!

The boys in action ... this was Noah's first run down the hill, and you can hear him screaming "the wrong waaaay!" as his sled spins around backwards ...

And while the boys were outside playing, Eliza was inside practicing her newest skill ...

We think she's gifted.

Christmas 2010

I forgot to post this pic last time. The boys were so proud of their little gingerbread train that could ... A couple days before Christmas we headed to Columbus for the day to celebrate with family there. It was a special treat to visit Aunt Julie Ann's boyfriend's family farm ... Justin helped Noah feed the donkeys.

Aunt Julie Ann and Noah explore the creek. When they got back to Grandpa's, it was present time.
Grandpa got lots of sweet Eliza love.

On Christmas Eve, the boys looked so handsome for church.

Of course, Eliza had to get dolled up too.

When we got home, Ben wrote a note for Santa and we fixed him and his reindeer a plate of goodies ...

And while sugar plums were dancing, the Big Man arrived!

Christmas morning brought lots of excitement, with Santa coming through on much of their wish lists.

Eliza slept through most of the gift opening frenzy, but when she finally woke up, the boys were happy to help her open her presents.

There was snow accumulation in Atlanta on Christmas day for the first time in over 130 years. Such a treat for the boys!

That night they took their new Jeep out for its inaugural ride.

What a perfect day!

The next day we flew to Michigan to celebrate with family there.

Boomma was so happy to see baby E!

We had a Christmas pool party with all the grandkids (9 of them) ...

Eliza with cousin Kelsey.

With cousin Ashley - the oldest and youngest grandkids.

On New Year's Eve, Eliza was obviously excited to ring in 2011. She's got big plans this year - solid foods, talking, walking - it's major.

The boys and their cousin Austin had a countdown at about 7 pm, which didn't dampen their spirits at all. Happy New Year, everyone!