Christmas Staycation 2023
December 14, 2023 (photo by SZap)
We decided this year to not spend days in the car driving up and down the highway. Instead, Robert flew back home (we've had discussions about "home home" vs. "home" — Alexandria vs. Seattle) and we stayed around here. That allowed him to meet up with some friends from Burgundy and ACHS.

And he came home in time that we could walk over to the local Christmas tree lot. It's always fun when they offer to help tie the tree to the car to say, "No thanks, we'll just walk."

He was also home early enough that we could celebrate David's birthday at Los Tios, as has been our tradition for years now.

In addition to meeting up in-person, Robert also took advantage of time away from school to play some video games with friends scattered across the country. And, as Robert requested, Sarah picked up hockey tickets so we could see the Capitals play (and sadly lose — but in a shoot out).

December 14, 2023 (photo by SZap)
December 16, 2023
December 23, 2023
December 25, 2023
We waited patiently (some more patiently than others) for Christmas morning to open the presents. Panzer was curious, and really liked hanging out behind the tree, but he did not open any presents early this year.
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
Robert was up surprisingly early for a late-stage teenager getting over west coast time. That made for a fun morning for all. Sarah likely wins the prize for best pressie — she found a pillow made with a Potomac Yard metro opening pennant for Robert. The latest station on the metro line we often ride and the potential new home for the Capitals, as announced recently. Also a perfect gift for someone happy to note that he gets across the country without relying on a car: Link from campus to SeaTac and Metro from National to home.
December 25, 2023
December 28, 2023

With the present opening excitement over, Robert did sleep in a bit more and David took advantage of the nice weather on a weekday to get out on the river.

We were invited back to the New Year's eve party at Will, Cassie, Rob and Christine's house (that's Will behind Robert). They thoughtfully drop the balloons around 9 for the younger kids. And then we went up to the Masonic Temple to watch Alexandria's fireworks over Old Town. It was a lovely evening.

December 31, 2023 (photo by Rob)
December 31, 2023
When the UW Huskies made it to the Sugar Bowl, Robert asked if he could stay an extra day. Sarah was able to switch his return flight so we could watch the game together. We started at a local sports bar, but by halftime we returned home to watch the second half (the game started at 8:45pm). It was real nail-biter that went down to the final play in the final second but the Huskies WON!!!
January 1, 2024
January 2, 2024
The next day, we got up after a short night to take Robert (by Metro, of course) back to National airport and his flight back to Seattle. It really was a fun couple of weeks and really nice to have him back in the house. Now he's starting a new quarter (with a new major: Geography) and David, Sarah and Panzer are getting used to an emptier nest again.

Vacation notes: