(January): Monticello

I took an interior design class at BYU and learned about this beautiful place. Ever since then I have been fascinated by it, and have been wanting to visit.  It did not disappoint.

We learned all about Thomas Jefferson.  Talk about a man of many talents!  Amazing.  He had a hand in developing every single aspect of Monticello - both the architecture and design.  

A lookout in Jefferson's garden where he would retreat to read and study

Behind the house

Jefferson recorded the weather, sunrise, and sunset.  Every single day.  With the career and responsibilities he had, where on earth did he find the time?!?

He had a rare indoor privy (bathroom) underneath and behind the house

Train em young! 

Jefferson had a genius system of delivering wine from his storage cellar below the house to his dining area above.  Erin is trying it out here

Jefferson's grave

I love old cemeteries! 

Afterward we went to the children's museum and played with toys!

Fun in January

Lots and lots of snow!  Isaac loved the snow.  We don't have a fence in our backyard, so sometimes I'd send him out to play if the girls were out there to watch him, but they had to stay where I could still see him because I didn't quite trust him to not run into the street.  But the girls also enjoyed to go play on the street or at friends' houses too, so sometimes he would just stare out the window, wanting so badly to go out to play.  He and I would often stand at the window and sing one of his favorite songs: "snow is falling all around; on the housetops on the ground.  Snow is falling on my nose.  On my head and hands and toes." 

This night Isaac and I went to play outside, just the two of us.  I bundled him up: mittens, hat, snow pants, extra socks, warm coat.  We were ready to go.  We played outside for about 10 minutes and had a blast!  Then he mentioned he was cold and wanted to go inside.  So we did, and as I started to take his warm clothes off, I discovered that I had forgotten to put on him one important piece of warm clothing: his BOOTS!  I forgot to put boots on him!!!  Mother of the year right here.  I can't believe I forgot to put warm boots on his tiny little feet.  I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself that I didn't tell Mike for days.  I can't believe Isaac didn't complain - he was just having so much fun.  Thankfully he didn't get frostbite, or catch a cold.  I still can't believe I did that.

Our ward started a great thing where the activity day girls would get together once a month at the home of one of the girls.  The parents would rotate hosting, and whoever hosted would plan an activity, games, treat, whatever they wanted.  It was so fun for the girls.  Most of them go to different schools, so it was great for them to get together in a relaxed setting and have fun together.  

When it was our turn, we ate pizza, and made jewelry.  They also had a blast playing the game, Headbands.  Only about half the girls are able to make it each time, and that's about what our turn out was, but they had a fun night together

Isaac and his buddy, Millie.  I'm not sure how Millie feels about him invading her space!

(January): New holes in her head!

This cute girl lost a tooth at school!  She pulled it out on her own at school and was really proud of herself for being tough about it (we're proud of her too!)

And when you lose your tooth at school, you get a sticker and a cool tooth box to put it in:

And just a couple weeks earlier she was a tough girl at Piercing Pagota where they put two more holes in her head.  Doesn't she look cute?

(January): National Cathedral

A perfect Sunday afternoon activity: visiting the National Cathedral downtown.  Apparently it's the 6th largest Cathedral in the world!  Having seen lots of Cathedrals in England and France, this surprised me.  It is big, but I'm surprised it ranks up there as #6!

(January): Georgetown Campus

We spent a Sunday afternoon walking around Georgetown Campus after visiting the National Cathedral

This building, Healy Hall is the iconic building that represents Georgetown University.  It is gorgeous!

A perfect activity for a Sunday afternoon!

(December): Christmas

We opened our family gifts in Maryland, and then enjoyed Christmas Day with the Trousdales in California

I love her reaction!

Isaac got to put the star on the tree at our house

A Christmas tradition: new pajamas on Christmas Eve from Nanny M

Isaac's new puppy, from Uncle Tim.  Isaac names him Tucker (after his best friend Megan's dog)

My 3 precious kiddos on Christmas morning

Finally!! A Rainbow Loom!

new nails from Erin

Elaina made a blanket for Erin.  She and I learned how to make them at a Relief Society activity that Activity Day girls were invited to.  So she decided that she wanted to tie a blanket for Erin for Christmas.  She did a great job, and Erin loved it!

Isaac got two remote control cars