Fabulous Army Life

We absolutely LOVED having family in town for the holidays! Mom, Charles, and Jacob were here ... along with Mike, Carole Ann, Abby, Carter, and Brody! It was so much fun. We had all the kids for New Year's Eve while Mike and Carole Ann visited with some friends in town. Trey and Abby attended Washington DC's biggest underground lock-in party at McLean Bible Church and the rest of us had fun playing games and downing 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the New Year. I am so grateful for these wonderful family members and the opportunity to spend this fun time with them. Happy New Year 2013!

After checking out the National Christmas Tree and finding all relevant state trees, we left the White House area and had a wonderful dinner at The Hamilton.  We are having a great time with Mom, Charles, and Jacob here!

My stepdad, Charles, requested that we start the day at the memorial park in Washington DC.  He wanted to see his friend's name on the Vietnam Wall.  We arrived and looked up his friend's name in the directory (Jerry Lee), then located the name on the panel and row indicated.  It is always such a sobering sight to see the names of those brave souls listed on the wall and walk along the corridor.  Every visitor to Washington DC should take that walk and remember those who have gone before us to provide us the freedom we enjoy today.

After a beautiful Christmas Eve service at McLean Bible Church, the boys completed their Lego Advent Calendar and were ready to open family gifts.  It was a lovely evening of family time, celebrating our Lord's birth so long ago, and honoring each other with gifts. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Joshua's class had a super fun 4th Grade Holiday party at school. The room moms put this plan together: 10:00 – 11:30 AM Watch “The Polar Express” 11:30 – 12:15 PM Read the book The Polar Express. Discuss differences/similarities between the book and the movie. Whole Class Craft: Make candy cane ornaments to take home. Polar Express Activities, optional Polar Express Activities from Traci Adkins Cook 12:15 - 12:45 PM Lunch in the classroom, snacks, and Hot Cocoa 12:45 - 1:15 RECESS 1:20 – 1:40 PM STATION ONE 1:45 – 2:05 PM STATION TWO 2:10 – 2:30 PM STATION THREE Kids will begin stations at their own tables. When stations are complete, the 'bells' ring and students will move clockwise on table over to the next station. At least one adult will need to be at each station to conduct the activities. 2:30 PM GRAND FINALE: Mr. Wilford participates in Paper Icicles! 2:35 PM Students prepare to go to specials. Station One: Soldiers' ...