gingerbread house.

We decorated a gingerbread house one night. As usual, the girls were really into the design and placement of candy. Simon really wanted to be in on the action. Oliver really did not want Simon to be in on the action.

U.S. Botanic Garden and a D.C. farewell

Thanks to a very thoughtful family member who arranged a cleaning service for us, we were able to take a break for a few hours after loading the truck while someone else cleaned the house. (So incredibly nice during such a stressful/exhausting time.) It was the perfect chance to see one of our favorite holiday displays in D.C., the Season's Greenings exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden. We reminisced about seeing this exhibit for the first time several years ago when it was just a train exhibit outside of the gardens. Now they have a fun theme every year with trains winding through creative structures made using plant materials in addition to the many famous D.C. landmarks made out of plant materials, lots of festive poinsettias, and a large decorated tree. This year's "World's Fair" theme was really fun.

I loved how they used bark to make the continents on this globe.

I'm sure this won't be our last visit to D.C., especially since we're only 4 1/2 hours away. But it was fun to visit one last time before we moved and fit in one of our D.C. Christmas traditions.