Days of Christmas

 The days since Christmas have been filled with rest and family time, two things we really, really needed. I have finally been able to experience again the almost totally novel sensation of having adequate sleep. I had forgotten how many more spiritual and emotional as well as physical resources one has when one is rested! I'm hoping, no, resolving to live as much of 2014 in that state as possible. It's been amazing.

On Saint Stephen's Day, we spent several hours at the National Zoo with our old friends, the Browns.

We found out that we could get a much reduced parking fee if our trip concluded during Zoo Lights hours.

Unfortunately, our kids have needs that meant we really couldn't stay much past sunset to see the spectacle of the lights in true darkness.

Namely, they need to eat regular meals and keep their napping and sleeping hours likewise regular.

Still, we got to take in a lot!

David, the Browns' 3 year old son, enjoyed himself, we think. 

 Welcome to our new camera, where even animals far away or in dim lighting can be photographed!

Miles hears the lions roar and imitates them gleefully. 

This camera makes me so happy!

We got a meal with our friends, then went our separate ways. The kids got to enjoy more cuddletime with their grandparents:

There was even time while in Annapolis for a walk and a visit to the playground. We put the fresh air to good use!

On Saturday,we packed up the car and were off again. It was a smooth and uneventful trip south with these two good attitudes:

Adele was SO happy to be back in her crib:

Coming home on December 29 meant we had several more days of vacation to enjoy at home! We got some cleaning and other projects done around the house, and the kids enjoyed their Christmas gifts....

Meet "Kyrie Gale" (Miles got the names from our book of baby names) and "Baby Doll" (Adele's still in a pretty literal stage of toy naming). These dolls, made by Ikea, were among the Christmas gifts. If you know our kids, you'll not be surprised to learn that Kyrie Gale is treasured, changed, bathed, and carefully dressed, and Baby Doll spends most of her time in a corner of Adele's room (she prefers her huge menagerie of stuffed animals). For pity, I have dressed Baby Doll and put a blanket on her. I know it's bizarre, but the poor doll is so cold! Anyway. we'll see how these relationships develop over time.

There was even opportunity for a little outing on New Year's Eve Day. We went to Roanoke & visited a brand new museum in the new Center in the Square. Pictures to follow!