December, 2007

The first week of December brought enough snow (just barely) for some sledding. Normally on Thursday, Robert would have gone in to daycare. But clearly this was a day to play hooky. We headed over to "Castle Roberto" (known to the rest of the world as the Masonic Temple) to take a peek and make sure there was enough snow. Then we went back to the house and got the sled out.

It was very surprising to me that we were the only ones on the hill. There were some other tracks but no other people out. The good news was the tracks were on a part of the hill we had not been sledding on before but turned out to be perfect. So, "Thanks," to whoever left the tracks there.

After our sledding fun, we had a snack and lit a fire in the fireplace. That all made for a fun morning -- much better than daycare (I think). This was a perfect day for Robert's new snow pants and gloves: he stayed toasty warm in the 27 degree sunshine and snow. It's too bad Sarah had to work today, I'm really glad to have been able to go out and play with Robert.

December 6, 2007.
December 6, 2007. December 6, 2007.
December 8, 2007 (photo by SZap). Sarah planned a little get together December 8th at Hank and Sally's to bake and decorate cookies. She didn't tell me it was surprise birthday party for me. After we showed up, Ken and Nancy and Wyatt and Natalie arrived. The kids (Natalie, Robert and Wyatt) decorated cookies -- well, Natalie decorated them and Robert and Wyatt ate them. Then they settled in for some Sponge Bob Square Pants on the TV after dinner. Which was great: it allowed us to visit. Bob and Celia came as well as Hank's mom. It was lots of fun to catch up with folks and Robert had a great time hanging out with the big kids.
December 8, 2007 (phonecam). December 8, 2007 (photo by SZap).
The next day was rainy off and on. During an off period, we walked over to the Alexandria Police Youth Camp Christmas Tree lot. While Robert enjoyed puddle jumping -- he splashed enough to soak his pants even though he was wearing boots -- Sarah and I debated Scotch pine vs. Douglas fir vs. Fraser fir. We decided on a Fraser fir and then Sarah joined Robert at the puddle (she jumped over) while I stood in the short line. Urban Christmas tree hunting: we declined the offer of help tying the tree on our car saying, "we'll just carry it home." It was only a couple blocks. December 9, 2007 (photo by SZap).
December 9, 2007 (phonecam). December 9, 2007 (phonecam).
December 11, 2007. Our first Christmas tree. In the past we've decorated our ficus, I think this is more festive.
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