Happy New Year to you all!
(Just FYI: Pictures are out of “order” because they are from five different sources.)

We had a whirlwind Christmas season and are just now getting back into our regular routine.

We started our Christmas season by having the Warren side of the family at our house for brunch, visiting, and lots of presents. The cousins had a great time together and so did the adults! Although we were not all together on Dec 25, it still felt like Christmas to us!

We went to Alexandria for about five days over the holiday. Our visit started with a Metro ride into DC for some museum time with Nana, Papa, and Aunt Leah. Both the kids love going on the “train.” We went to the Botanical Gardens and the Native American Museum. Afterwards, Nana, Aunt Leah, and Ella went home while Andrew, Papa, Jonah, and I went to the Air and Space Museum too. Andrew and I enjoyed an evening with Katie Rivers and Bruce without any kids. Thanks to the Grandparents and Aunt Leah for babysitting! It was a busy but fun day.

On Christmas Eve, Jonah loved hearing Papa ring bells at church. At the end of each song, Jonah would yell out: “YEAH! PAPA!” We had a fantastic Egan Christmas Eve party. My childhood friend, Meghan, and her whole family joined in the festivities this year. We realized it had been 17 years since they had been to the Christmas Eve party! WOW. As always, we ate too much, drank just enough, and visited late into the night with all the “regulars.” Although we missed having Joe, Julie, Katie, and Pete there, it was a great night.

On Christmas Day we had a lovely quiet dinner at Aunt Peggy’s house. On our way there we saw TWO bald eagles perched in trees along the Parkway. Uncle Don gave us some good advice on when to visit Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home) and I think we will do it next fall.

Our final Christmas celebration was in MD on the day after Christmas. We met up with Jan and Timmy for breakfast before heading to Great Grandma Gill’s house for lunch. Grandpa Keith and Ruthie joined us for a relaxing and enjoyable visit with Great Grandma Gill, Aunt Susie, and Nicky’s family. We wrapped up our day in Maryland by having dinner with Ken and Val and we got to meet their new baby, Olivia!

We returned to NC to spend a few days together before returning to school and work. We reorganized Ella’s room and got her a “big girl desk” and put her art table into Jonah’s room. Both are thrilled with their new furniture.

Jonah got his hair cut at SnipIts and did great. We have given him a number of haircuts—some trims and “buzz” cuts. But this time we let a professional do the job. He sat very still and did not fuss.

Here’s to a great 2008!
Sarah, Andrew, Ella, and Jonah