Countdown to Christmas

On the way to Nickolas's skating lesson...

When Nickolas had fun sliding into cones during the final class of the session,

He received a certificate.

Neighborhood Lights

Since little bugs are affecting big and little people in the house, Lucy and I decided to get some fresh air and walk around the block to see Christmas lights. Lucy was in awe of this particular condo complex porch, which had synchronized lights to the holiday music. Eventually, one of the owners made their way home and said hello.

Two More from Preschool Performance

Santa!

Preschool Christmas Performance

Saint Nickolas Day

And, looks as though Flora has 2 NEW bottom teeth breaking through on this Saint Nickolas Day.

Old Town Scottish Walk Parade

The family had a fun Saturday morning at a parade party thrown by an aunt and uncle of Nickolas's classmate Nathan. They live in the carriage house section of the expansive historic house (circa 1840) right on the parade route.

Kids running through the garden as we heard the bag pipers warm up.

Two more classmates walking in the parade spotted us and ran off the route to give hugs.

The kids scored (and ate) tons of candy with their placement at the beginning of the parade route.

Firefighting Bagpipers

Wee Flora eyeing down the Morrison Clan. Unfortunately, we did not see a MacKay Clan. Perhaps we'll have to march next year in praise of Nana Jean and Aunt Flora.

Lots of Scottish dogs throughout the parade.

Shirlington Tree Lighting

The kids had a blast at the Shirlington tree lighting in our neighborhood. The street was closed off, so we had fun walking through it with all of the trees lit up. They had carriage rides with horses that wore bells. The kids enjoyed the Christmas music and danced a bit.

Lucy's new fairy friend.

Hot chocolate as the festivities began.

Anxiously awaiting the Christmas tree lights.

There it is!

The white lights are so pretty overhead - wait, there's a horse and carriage!

School Pictures

Lucy, apparently wasn't thrilled to get her school pictures taken. You think they would have, at least, tickled her. Of course, Nickolas was as smiley as ever looking more and more like his daddy.