But I got a few happy shots. With a bribe of suckers.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Christmas dresses. Thoroughly documented.
Elsa has observed Amelia enough to know exactly what to do when you wear a fancy dress. She immediately started twirling when I put it on her. And she immediately started frowning when I pulled out the camera.
But I got a few happy shots. With a bribe of suckers.
But I got a few happy shots. With a bribe of suckers.
Sheepish.
Amelia was soooo excited to be a sheep in the nativity play at our church Christmas party this year. Like most of the other kids her age, she spent most of her time playing with the bale of hay on the stage and not really paying any attention. Oh. And picking her nose. She spent a LOT of time picking her nose. While the other kids were singing. It was lovely. But she was so proud and happy to be in the play.
Conversation afterward:
Me: I didn't know sheep picked their noses...
Amelia: Sheep DON'T pick their noses. But sheep people do.
(Amelia is sitting by the hay.)
Caught in the act!
The girls were really excited to see Santa. Elsa has learned to say Santa and "ho ho ho." I was hoping Amelia wouldn't want to sit in his lap so we could avoid standing in the line, but surprisingly, she really wanted to see him this time.
Conversation afterward:
Amelia: MOM!!! I told Santa what I wanted for Christmas!!!!
Me: What?
Amelia: A Barbie Camper....(thoughtful pause...) OH NO!!!! I forgot to tell him I want a doll house too...(distraught face)
Me: We can write him a letter.
Amelia: Oh yeah...(great relief)
Elsa didn't know what she wanted for Christmas.
Conversation afterward:
Me: I didn't know sheep picked their noses...
Amelia: Sheep DON'T pick their noses. But sheep people do.
(Amelia is sitting by the hay.)
Caught in the act!
The girls were really excited to see Santa. Elsa has learned to say Santa and "ho ho ho." I was hoping Amelia wouldn't want to sit in his lap so we could avoid standing in the line, but surprisingly, she really wanted to see him this time.
Conversation afterward:
Amelia: MOM!!! I told Santa what I wanted for Christmas!!!!
Me: What?
Amelia: A Barbie Camper....(thoughtful pause...) OH NO!!!! I forgot to tell him I want a doll house too...(distraught face)
Me: We can write him a letter.
Amelia: Oh yeah...(great relief)
Elsa didn't know what she wanted for Christmas.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Matchbox Advent Calendar
I could not stop myself from making this adorable little matchbox advent I saw here. It takes about 30 minutes to make and all you need are matchboxes and some wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. I stamped the numbers with a date stamp (the kind you get at an office supply store). Use a hot glue gun to glue the rows of boxes together, then wrap each row in paper and glue them on top of each other. Add a fun little "tree topper" and hide a surprise in each box.
Andes Mints are the perfect size to hide in each little box.
Andes Mints are the perfect size to hide in each little box.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Our D.C. Christmas favorites
Here is a list of a few of the things we love to do at Christmas time in the area. For a HUGE list of things to do, go to www.washingtonpost.com/holidayguide.
Creche exhibit at the Washington National Cathedral
(Display of nativity scenes from around the world...open during regular visiting hours through Jan. 6)
Festival of Lights at the Washington DC LDS Temple
(Nightly performances as well as a live nativity and a large display of nativities from around the world.)
Holiday Magic at the National Botanic Gardens
(The train display this year is fantastic! Open late on Tuesdays and Thursdays with musical performances.)
Downtown Holiday Market (8th and F Streets)
(Nice handmade gifts for sale...don't miss the hot donuts!)
National Harbor (click here for a full list of activities)
(Very festive with Christmas trees, music, holiday market on the weekends, ICE show)
National Christmas Tree
(see the National tree as well as the smaller State trees, musical performances nightly, Santa's workshop)
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County
(A large walk-through light display with really fun garden-themed lights...also a train display in the greenhouse)
Creche exhibit at the Washington National Cathedral
(Display of nativity scenes from around the world...open during regular visiting hours through Jan. 6)
Festival of Lights at the Washington DC LDS Temple
(Nightly performances as well as a live nativity and a large display of nativities from around the world.)
Holiday Magic at the National Botanic Gardens
(The train display this year is fantastic! Open late on Tuesdays and Thursdays with musical performances.)
Downtown Holiday Market (8th and F Streets)
(Nice handmade gifts for sale...don't miss the hot donuts!)
National Harbor (click here for a full list of activities)
(Very festive with Christmas trees, music, holiday market on the weekends, ICE show)
National Christmas Tree
(see the National tree as well as the smaller State trees, musical performances nightly, Santa's workshop)
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Zoo Lights at the National Zoo
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County
(A large walk-through light display with really fun garden-themed lights...also a train display in the greenhouse)
Thanksgiving Recipes
A few of our recipes from Thanksgiving this year. Enjoy! (The carrot souffle would be a great addition to any dinner.)
Pumpkin Cupcakes
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz.) solid-packed pumpkin (about 1 3/4 cups if you're making your own puree)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
1 stick of butter, cubed and cold
8 oz. cream cheese*
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon spice mix (see below)
Spice Mix
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cardamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 350ºF. Line three 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake wrappers.
To make the cupcakes, in a bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Add the flour mixture in three additions, stirring with a large wooden spoon until just combined.
Fill the muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake until the cupcakes for 20 minutes. Transfer the tins to a wire rack and let cool for ten minutes; then remove the cupcakes from the tins and let cool completely.
To make the frosting, cream the butter until fluffy, but still cold. Add the cream cheese in small chunks. When completely combined (no lumps of either butter or cream cheese), add the powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla and then 1 teaspoon of the spice mix before blending one last time.
Sprinkle a little spice mix over each cupcake.
* make sure you use Philadelphia Original!
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
3/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 c. pecans, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 stick room-temp butter, brown sugar, flour,and salt until coarse crumbs form. Pour mixture into prepared pan; press firmly into bottom. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Let cool, 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in same large bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp melted butter until well combined. Add chocolate chips and pecans; spread over crust.
Bake until set, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before lifting out (use foil to lift). Cut into 32 bars. I like to keep mine in the fridge.
Carrot Souffle
from Stephmodo.com
1 3/4 lbs. carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
2 tB. all purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup butter
confectioners sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large pot of boiling water, cook the carrots until very tender. Drain, and transfer to a large mixing bowl. While the carrots are warm, use an electric mixer to beat with sugar, baking powder and vanilla extract until smooth. Mix in the flour, eggs, and butter. Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish. Bake one hour in the preheated oven, or until top is golden brown. Dust lightly with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Note: If you want to use individual ramekins instead of one dish, adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes depending on your oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-cooking them. I read online that one person liked to puree the carrots with the butter, sugar and vanilla and then add in the baking powder with the eggs and flour. Apparently the souffle rises better.
Pumpkin Cupcakes
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz.) solid-packed pumpkin (about 1 3/4 cups if you're making your own puree)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
1 stick of butter, cubed and cold
8 oz. cream cheese*
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon spice mix (see below)
Spice Mix
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cardamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 350ºF. Line three 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake wrappers.
To make the cupcakes, in a bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Add the flour mixture in three additions, stirring with a large wooden spoon until just combined.
Fill the muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake until the cupcakes for 20 minutes. Transfer the tins to a wire rack and let cool for ten minutes; then remove the cupcakes from the tins and let cool completely.
To make the frosting, cream the butter until fluffy, but still cold. Add the cream cheese in small chunks. When completely combined (no lumps of either butter or cream cheese), add the powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla and then 1 teaspoon of the spice mix before blending one last time.
Sprinkle a little spice mix over each cupcake.
* make sure you use Philadelphia Original!
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
3/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 c. pecans, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 stick room-temp butter, brown sugar, flour,and salt until coarse crumbs form. Pour mixture into prepared pan; press firmly into bottom. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Let cool, 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in same large bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp melted butter until well combined. Add chocolate chips and pecans; spread over crust.
Bake until set, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before lifting out (use foil to lift). Cut into 32 bars. I like to keep mine in the fridge.
Carrot Souffle
from Stephmodo.com
1 3/4 lbs. carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
2 tB. all purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup butter
confectioners sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large pot of boiling water, cook the carrots until very tender. Drain, and transfer to a large mixing bowl. While the carrots are warm, use an electric mixer to beat with sugar, baking powder and vanilla extract until smooth. Mix in the flour, eggs, and butter. Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish. Bake one hour in the preheated oven, or until top is golden brown. Dust lightly with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Note: If you want to use individual ramekins instead of one dish, adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes depending on your oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-cooking them. I read online that one person liked to puree the carrots with the butter, sugar and vanilla and then add in the baking powder with the eggs and flour. Apparently the souffle rises better.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Virginia Beach
We made our annual trip to Virginia Beach this past weekend to see the Christmas lights on the boardwalk. We spent one night with the girls and then passed them off to our friends the Dyckmans and had two nights ALONE. It was fabulous.
Of course, our time with the girls was quite fun as well.
We were the only people staying in the hotel the first night. We had a two bedroom suite and the girls loved having all the space to run around. Elsa was obsessed with the hotel safe. She loved pushing the buttons and tried to lock her blanket in it.
There was a fun rooftop pool with a nice view of the ocean:
The girls loved the Christmas lights on the boardwalk. Elsa was mostly excited about being out of her car seat.
Waking up to a beautiful view:
A stroll along the beach:
Chasing birds:
Writing in the sand:
We always take our picture at this photo booth. We started this tradition 5 years ago when it was just me and Ben. The photo booth is getting a bit crowded now.
We found a great park to play at called Mount Trashmore Park. It was actually created by compacting layers of waste with clean soil:
We met the Dyckmans at the Yankee Candle Factory in Williamsburg to hand over the kids. They had a lot of fun Christmas stuff including Santa. Elsa was okay with sitting on his lap, but Amelia declined.
After we dropped off the kids, Ben and I enjoyed a stroll through Colonial Williamsburg to admire all the Christmas decor.
We spent the next two days relaxing, sleeping in, reading, watching movies, enjoying cheese and chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot, going to see 2012, walking on the beach, and eating at a Brazilian Steakhouse. And eating at a waffle house for brunch. And more relaxing. It was wonderful.
The kids spent the next few days playing with friends, going to a Children's Museum, having a movie night, and enjoying themselves. I think it worked out well for everyone. Thank you Dyckmans!
Of course, our time with the girls was quite fun as well.
We were the only people staying in the hotel the first night. We had a two bedroom suite and the girls loved having all the space to run around. Elsa was obsessed with the hotel safe. She loved pushing the buttons and tried to lock her blanket in it.
There was a fun rooftop pool with a nice view of the ocean:
The girls loved the Christmas lights on the boardwalk. Elsa was mostly excited about being out of her car seat.
Waking up to a beautiful view:
A stroll along the beach:
Chasing birds:
Writing in the sand:
We always take our picture at this photo booth. We started this tradition 5 years ago when it was just me and Ben. The photo booth is getting a bit crowded now.
We found a great park to play at called Mount Trashmore Park. It was actually created by compacting layers of waste with clean soil:
We met the Dyckmans at the Yankee Candle Factory in Williamsburg to hand over the kids. They had a lot of fun Christmas stuff including Santa. Elsa was okay with sitting on his lap, but Amelia declined.
After we dropped off the kids, Ben and I enjoyed a stroll through Colonial Williamsburg to admire all the Christmas decor.
We spent the next two days relaxing, sleeping in, reading, watching movies, enjoying cheese and chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot, going to see 2012, walking on the beach, and eating at a Brazilian Steakhouse. And eating at a waffle house for brunch. And more relaxing. It was wonderful.
The kids spent the next few days playing with friends, going to a Children's Museum, having a movie night, and enjoying themselves. I think it worked out well for everyone. Thank you Dyckmans!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Alexandria Parade of Lights
Holiday Boat Parade Schedule:
Saturday, December 5, 2009- 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Festivities on the docks at the Alexandria Waterfront (music and entertainment)
- 4:15 p.m. - Santa arrives by boat - pictures with Santa for Kids and Canines
- 5:00 p.m. - Parade starts at the Washington Channel, Water St. off of Maine Avenue, Washington, DC
- 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Parade at Alexandria Waterfront
Complete list of Alexandria City activities on December 5:
Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families
Be inspired by the colors and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria and make a memorable holiday keepsake! The Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union St., #327) will host a free ornament decorating workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments which are shaped like artifacts from the museum’s own collection. For additional information, please call the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703.838.4399 or visit www.
Thirty-Ninth Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
The City of Alexandria invites the public to attend the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade at 11 a.m. in historic Old Town. The centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the parade celebrates the City's Scottish heritage, featuring more than 100 Scottish clans, bagpipe and drum bands, living history reenactment groups, dog clubs, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. partners with The Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria to sponsor the annual parade. The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is one of the largest fundraising activities for The Campagna Center; all proceeds from the Weekend support the Campagna Center’s programs, which help children in Alexandria arrive at school ready to learn and ensuring they are academically successful at each grade level. To learn more about the parade and the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, call 703.549.0111 or visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com .
Holiday Concert in Old Town Alexandria
Enjoy the music of the season in Old Town Alexandria at a holiday concert at Market Square, 301 King St. At 2 p.m., the Family Choir of Beth El Hebrew Congregation will perform Hanukah favorites. For more information, call the City’s Special Events hotline at 703.883.4686.
Potomac River Parade
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Alexandria's harbor will sparkle when 50 brightly lit powerboats and sailboats fully decked out in lights and holiday décor take part in the 10th annual Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Santa Claus will arrive by fireboat to kick off the evening festivities at 4 p.m. at the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Kids and dogs will be able to sit on Santa's lap and get their picture taken for free. The Braddock Brass Quintet and the Bells of Mount Vernon, a hand bell choir from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will headline the live music entertainment.
The City of Alexandria invites the public to attend the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade at 11 a.m. in historic Old Town. The centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the parade celebrates the City's Scottish heritage, featuring more than 100 Scottish clans, bagpipe and drum bands, living history reenactment groups, dog clubs, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. partners with The Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria to sponsor the annual parade. The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is one of the largest fundraising activities for The Campagna Center; all proceeds from the Weekend support the Campagna Center’s programs, which help children in Alexandria arrive at school ready to learn and ensuring they are academically successful at each grade level. To learn more about the parade and the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, call 703.549.0111 or visit www.
Holiday Concert in Old Town Alexandria
Enjoy the music of the season in Old Town Alexandria at a holiday concert at Market Square, 301 King St. At 2 p.m., the Family Choir of Beth El Hebrew Congregation will perform Hanukah favorites. For more information, call the City’s Special Events hotline at 703.883.4686.
Potomac River Parade
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Alexandria's harbor will sparkle when 50 brightly lit powerboats and sailboats fully decked out in lights and holiday décor take part in the 10th annual Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Santa Claus will arrive by fireboat to kick off the evening festivities at 4 p.m. at the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Kids and dogs will be able to sit on Santa's lap and get their picture taken for free. The Braddock Brass Quintet and the Bells of Mount Vernon, a hand bell choir from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will headline the live music entertainment.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Happy Birthday Ben!
We celebrated Ben's birthday Monday night with Chinese take-out followed by a gigantic chocolate trifle. We also picked out our Christmas tree. In record time. It was cold. But it might be our best tree yet. We tend to buy trees that are much too large for our living room, but this one is perfect.
I took Ben out the next night to see a movie. It was a toss up between 2012 and Fantastic Mr. Fox. We went with the shorter one. I must say it was quite fantastic.
(I forgot to get candles. This was all I could scrounge up.)
I took Ben out the next night to see a movie. It was a toss up between 2012 and Fantastic Mr. Fox. We went with the shorter one. I must say it was quite fantastic.
(I forgot to get candles. This was all I could scrounge up.)
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