Lots (and I mean LOTS) of pictures from Thanksgiving and Christmas at http://www.warrensweb.com/gallery/01072009/

We had a quiet but lovely Thanksgiving at home. Joe joined us and we feasted on all the typical Egan-Warren dishes. I somehow set fire to a marshmellow in the bottom of the oven—but other than a brief flaming moment of panic, all was well! We did miss having the whole Egan clan here, but the rest of the group met up at Leah’s in MD…

We put up our tree and all our Christmas STUFF right after Thanksgiving. Ella was terrific at putting up ornaments and Jonah really helped a lot this year too. They both love the tree and the lights and the Christmas books and toys. Jonah became obsessed with The Nutcracker. We have been listening to the music and reading the story over and over. He can identify The Nutcracker music on the radio, in commercials, and on shows! He and Ella march around the house with our Chef Nutcracker. It is hysterical. They act out parts of the ballet—Jonah is usually the nutcracker or the Rat King. He never wants to be Fritz (he is too naughty—although I think the Rat King is actually naughtier—but I digress!). Ella is of course Clara.

We had a wonderful Warren Family Thanksgiving at Aunt Pat and Uncle Frank’s house. Great Grandma Nellie had an early b-day celebration and the children sang and danced for her. Natalie allowed all the little girl cousins (Ella, Grace, Gloria, Sarah, and Amelia) to dress up in her old ballet costumes! Wonderful time visiting with family we only get to see once a year.

Again this year, Ella was in the Apex Christmas Parade on the float for her dance studio. It was chilly but Ella led the girls in yelling: MERRY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY HOLIDAYS for the entire parade route. Joe, Andrew, and Jonah cheered us on from the side. Jonah loved the music and the cheerleaders who could kick really high (oh my!).

During the second weekend of December we had our Warren Family Christmas. This year is was at Matt and Catherine’s house in Wilson. Great Grandma Nellie joined us too. Great day of food, presents, and lots of visiting. Love that tradition!

Santa came early to our house! What a special surprise. Instead of making arrangements for Santa to deliver to VA for Christmas morning, he comes a few days early to our house. We had a fun family day of presents and just hanging out together. Unfortunately I was sick all day. L

On the Tuesday before Christmas we packed to head up to VA. Before leaving, we went to see a special performance of The Nutcracker at Raleigh Memorial Theater. We had front row seats and got to be just a few feet from the live orchestra and the dancers! We got to watch the dancers warm up and the ballet mistress even showed a “class” for younger dancers. It was only the second act, but the kids did great. Ella wants to be lifted an carried around the stage like the Sugar Plum Fairy! Jonah loved it (even though there was no Rat King). Great way to start our Christmas Vacation!

Spent Christmas Eve day in DC at the Botanical Gardens and then inspecting the preparations at The Capitol for the inauguration. Went to a very HOT Christmas Eve mass where my father was ringing bells. The annual Linden Street Christmas Eve party was rockin’ as usual. We videotaped messages for my father’s birthday from most everyone there. Great night to see everyone—hard to believe that we have all been doing that for so long!

Then… the sickness began… Andrew got sick in the middle of the night…then Leah….then Joe..the Bruce. It was not pretty. We had to miss going to MD because of the nasty stomach bug. Hated to miss seeing MD family and friends!!! But we did not want to share the germs. I ended up taking the kids to my aunt’s house for dinner, but we came home early.

My nephew, Eddie, was baptized on 12/26. He did great at the baptism and at the party afterwards.

We packed up and headed home on Saturday along with many many many other families. We spent a few days recovering from all the merriment (and sickness!) and then it has been back to “real life.”

Phew,…. Love the holidays—but they can be tiring!
Sarah, Andrew, Ella, and Jonah