Kites!

12/29/08

The girls made kites and tried to fly them...it was a bit of a Charlie Brown experience, but fun any way. The weather was wonderful and good to get outside and play in December.

Off to Carlisle, PA!

12/28/08

We decided to drive up to Carlisle, PA to visit my great uncle Joe and great aunt Bunny for the day. We have not seen them since Marin was a baby. It was an easy drive, nearly 3 hours, but a straight shot.

We enjoyed a little lunch when we arrived. Aunt Bunny got me some delicious GF/CF bread from Glutino that I had never had...you forget how yumy a sandwhich is when you don't get them often.

The girls were good and played while we caught up with Bunny. Joe is napping a lot now, he is 82 and has had a couple of strokes.

Bunny made a nice dinner and we left about 8:00 PM, the girls finally fell asleep about 9 and we were home by 10:30.

GAO!

12/26/08

Joe enjoyed the mild weather and played a round of golf. The girls went down to Potomac Mills for a bit of shopping, lunch and a movie. Bolt is absolutely adorable.

Marin took a quick spin on her scooter.

Take 2.

Kirsten and Grammy at Ruby Tuesday's.

Kel and Marin.

Trying on shoes at Nordstrom Rack.

Absinthe!

12/25/08

After the girls went to bed, exhausted I might add. Carol brought over a bottle of absinthe...interesting stuff!

The bottle!

Making the concoction.

Bottom's up!

Christmas Dinner!

12/25/08

Again, we bucked tradition and had surf and turf for Christmas day dinner. The filet's were cooked to perfection, and though I bought the wrong crab (snow instead of king) it was delicious. Carol made a blood orange terrine for dessert.

Here we are!

Kirsten received a pyramid trinket box from Carol. Marin's was a frog.

Grammy.

Joe.

The Table.

The girls.

Carol and Kelleen.

Joe, post cracker...wearing the required paper crown.

Grammy in her crown.

Marin tries to get a bit more sparkling cider.

presents!

12/25/08

The girls had a great time opening presents:

Here she goes!

Grammy's turn!

Kirsten got a real camera from Grammy!

Daddy gathers the wrapping paper.

Grace checks things out.

Kirsten is tired of mom taking pictures.

Marin tries on her new helmet.

Taking a spin on her new scooter.

the wreckage.

Christmas Day starts WAY too early.

12/25/08

Of course the girls were up at the wee hours of daylight to see if Santa left presents or coal...there was a lot of discussion on behavior this year. He was indeed good to the girls bringing Wii remote chargers, Wii out door adventure and other fun stuff.

We had our traditional cinnamon rolls and OJ for the girls and mimosa's for the grown ups.

Opening stockings.

Look what I got!

Check out the size of the pastries!

Grace laying in wait.

Mmmmm....mimosa's.

Christmas Eve Dinner.

12/24/08

We decided to mix things up a bit this year and have jambalaya. Joe made it from scratch. We had chicken, sausage, and crawfish.

Here is the chef and his dish!
Marin enjoying her bowl.

Kirsten tries a mud

bug!

Decorating cookies for Santa!

Putting the stuff out for the big man!

Marin carries the cookies.

Sweet Trauger girls!

Off to Ikea!

12/24/08

Team Jean and Team Trauger (plus Grammy) went to Ikea on Christmas Eve day...it was a lot of fun. All of the kids got to go in Small land, but Marin has since been denied, she is too short. She might as well get used to it now!

the crew in the van.

Small Land!

Aidan in Ashley's hat.

Marin.

Karen returning with Starbucks.