Toasting Goodbye to 2013

Ahhhhh... and to wrap up 2013, we spent New Years Eve with friends.  The kids had a blast "performing" for us and toasting in the new year (around 9 pm) with sparkling cider.  We adults did make it til midnight, but much to Mary's dismay, the rest of us were not interested in toasting with champagne.  I think our energy was waning and we were all about ready to climb into bed.  :)  Goodbye 2013 - you had your ups and downs.  Here's to looking ahead to 2014 and what God has in store for our family this year.

Splashing and Learning

With the normal busyness of December and the added stress of our office moving, Dan and I decided that our family needed to take alittle break and get away.  So late one Friday night, we booked a hotel room and headed out the next day.  First stop was the waterpark at Massanutten Resort.  The boys had a really fun time, especially on the slides.

Then the next morning, we drove to Winchester and spent about two hours exploring the Shenandoah Children's Discovery Museum (I think that is what it's called).  The build your own roller coaster room was clearly the favorite exhibit.

Twelve Days of Christmas and Zoolights

After skateboarding and lunch, we all enjoyed the Twelve Days of Christmas at Adventure Theatre. 

After the play and a quick bite, we headed to the National Zoo for Zoolights.  While I wouldn't recommend driving to Zoolights, I would recommend going if the weather is not too cold.  It was fun walking around in the Zoo at night visiting the animals and enjoying the lights.

Skateboarding

On December 26th, Carter, Nathan and Andrew had a blast testing out their new skateboard gear on Gramma & Grandad's driveway.  It was the perfect place to test their balance and get the feel of the boards.

 

Christmas Day

In the afternoon, the entire Vaughan family came to our house to celebrate Christmas.  As usual, the cousins had lots of fun with each other.  And we were able to fit everyone (barely) in our living room and dining room for Christmas dinner.

 

Christmas Morning

Sooo... it seems the boys made it on the nice list this year (or perhaps Santa was a little lenient), but in either case, the boys were super excited for their presents.  Some of the highlights from Christmas morning were Rainbow Loom, Nintendo 3DS, feety PJs and skateboards.

 

Christmas Eve

The big days finally arrive!  Before heading over to Grammy & PopPop's house for dinner, church and presents, the boys set out some snacks for Santa and his reindeer.

Then off to Grammy and PopPops......  The boys actually cooperated and took a number of cute photos and we let them have a "crazy" shot too.

I love this photo of Nathan and Lucy.  In the past few months, it is amazing how much interest he has shown in Lucy.  I'm not sure if Lucy really likes all of this new attention, but it is a remarkable difference in our house. 

 

Our plans for Christmas Eve are pretty much the same each year - which is nice.  The main difference this year was that we were able to worship and celebrate Jesus's birth in a church building this year, rather than a firehouse. :)   But no matter where we spend and celebrate Jesus's birth, we are thankful for his birth and death on the cross for us and for all people.  

Christmas in Alexandria

On Saturday the 21st, we headed to Alexandria for a pre-Christmas celebration with Matt & Lauren.  Lucy even came with us.  It was a super warm day, so everyone tried to pull out some short-sleeve shirts that were still festive. :)

Holiday Parties

On December 20th, I spent the afternoon celebrating at the boys' schools.  Nathan's party was full of fun games and activities, including these cute elf hats.

Andrew's party started off with some super cute renditions of Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, followed by snacks and then gingerbread house making.