Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

On Friday night we went to see the lights at DC Temple and to enjoy a Musical Christmas program. Our friends Valerie and Mary Beth played flute and violin in the orchestra. It took us two hours what should have been fifty-minute drive but the children and I made it (Jeremy rode metro from work). We also got to see an orchestra pit. Then we enjoyed company of our friends. and beautiful Christmas trees decorated with dolls donated by different embassies. Here is a Russian doll and two adorable children ;-) Second performance was cancelled that night because a snow storm was approaching.

I thought to myself "what a big deal? I am not scared of two inches of snow!" We lingered a bit longer looking at lights and a beautiful creche.On the way back we caught the beginning of the storm and were lucky to travel behind a snow plow the whole way back.

Then Saturday morning we woke up to a snow wonderland. It snowed whole night and kept snowing whole day. Sonia and Feo were sick with fevers but Sonia dared to step outside to ride in her sled for about ten seconds. Snow piled up into her nose and mouth and she was back inside rather quickly. Jeremy kept shovelling the snow whole day and even at night.

This storm set the record for the month of December since 1910. An Ice Skating show we wanted to go to got cancelled; so was the ward Christmas party. Buses, trains and even an airport came to a halt. It was peaceful and quiet outside. Only Mischa was disturbing the neighborhood with his romping and snorkeling in the snow.

Sunday church was cancelled and we had one of the best brunches ever... no hurrying and no being late for the first time seems like. Then we did unthinkable.. we packed both kids, sick and half way sick and went onto an adventure to Huntley Meadows. Feo was tucked into Sonia's pink snow suit... poor boy. When he is of age, he will tell me "No more pink!" Sonia's jacket was still missing but she kept warm in a long sleeve shirt, turtle neck, fleece shirt and rain coat plus a warm cover in the sled. I wore Jeremy's snow boots from Russia and he wore his summer shoes. Off we went into a land of true magic.

Sonia's head was barely above the snow. She did well in the sled managing to fall out only once, being bumped into by Mischa once and then kept smiling.

At some point Sonia wanted to walk... "the snow is crunchy" she proclaimed.

At home we warmed our cold hands and feet by a fire, had squash and sausage soup for lunch and took naps... a perfect day if you may. And it just got better--all government offices are closed tomorrow so Jeremy will be home.

Two months old

Feo with Sonia's Slon wearing his hunting outfit that keeps him warm but isn't my fave color. Last night we had a late shopping spree with Feo. He really wanted to get home and missed Sonia. Plus he wanted his snack and didn't stop squealing until I fed him sitting on the floor in the midst of the store isles... Feo smiles, coos and loves hanging out with his mama. Well, sometimes with papa too ,

just reading some books,but not too long.

Christmas ball and Train at National Botanic Gardens

My big-little girl was helping all week long. Sonia cut green beans with sharp Cutco knife. My little cook ;-)

Sonia had so much fun that we didn't stop until a pot was filled up for dinner.

In preparation for the party we were shopping for whole wheat lasagna noodles at Shopper's late at night.Sonia asked me to put everything in her cart. Great little helper!

We had Alyssa, Audrey, Valerie and Graton at our Annual Christmas ball. ;-)Right before guests arrived, my children were watching rolls in the oven.

One table... perhaps next year we'll have room for a special little table for kids. Sonia spilled her juice right in Valerie's plate.

We played games, danced, roasted marshmallows on the open fire. Jeremy's fire made everything warm and cosy... I love it. We finished our night with 1978 version of Bolshoi's Nutcracker ballet.

On Saturday we went to see trains at National Botanic Garden. Everything except for trains was made with plant-based natural materials. They store only trains the rest is made anew every year. Rapunzel

This year the theme was enchanted storybook garden with trains popping in and out. It was magic ;-) Sonia and I watched and watched trains come and go. We could spent whole day looking at fairy tales come to life.

Deck the Halls

First snow fell on Saturday morning; we got to Home Depot to pick a tree... for just $29 we found a Douglas Fir beau to fit in our tiny living room.

Sonia helped me decorate tree with pine-cone gnomes, bells, and old Russian decorations. All thanks to my mom. I am still working on a few felt decorations and I need something for the top. When we were finished, Sonia said this is my big tree! We decorated our stairway with garland, knitted train and hang little German wooden toys on our little tree. I found all these cool little things at the garage sales last summer.

While we napped, Jeremy built a fire and we spent a cosy night enjoying warmth and piece meangled with Christmas lights and hot chocolate.

Sonia's played with her three bears on a sled. She sat them all in the raw then said: "Mama, please take a picture of just the bears."

"This is my sled!" wailed Sonia across the room. But too late, silly mama put poor Feo in it ;-)Life is beautiful ;-) Simply can't get better than tonight!