Christmas Kickoff

Christmas season is in full gear. On Friday night Katie and I went to the lighting of Del Ray's Christmas tree. Everyone gathered in town and sang Christmas carols and enjoyed free hot chocolate (which came in handy because it was coooold!). Then Santa arrived, wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and lit the tree. Katie was very excited to see Santa but she was as cold as I was so luckily it wasn't hard to convince her to go back to our warm house.

Saturday we went to the Scottish Walk Christmas Parade in Old Town Alexandria. We go every year and it's always a lot of fun (here's our video from 2006). This year we met up with her Aunt Sue and cousin Theo and watched it with them. It was Peter's first public outing (other than doctor visits) and he did very well. He slept the whole time which isn't easy when there are marching bands, drums, bagpipes, and muskets being fired. Afterwards while Sue was walking to her car she ran into our former neighbors Randy and Nikki.

Saturday night Nancy and Katie went to see the annual boat parade of lights on the Potomac River. The boats are decked out in Christmas lights. Some of the designs are very creative and even have animations. They stayed for about an hour before Katie said she was too cold. I was happy to stay home with Peter and watch football.

On Sunday Katie and Nancy made a gingerbread house but we've mostly taken it easy today indoors. One day soon we hope to get our Christmas tree.

More photos are here and here.












Katie at the Del Ray Christmas tree


Katie and Theo


Sue and Theo


Santa!


Katie, Peter, and me


Katie watching the boat parade


One of the boats in the light parade.


This is usually what happens when we spend all day inside.


Making a gingerbread house.