Christmas Tour

Nickolas went to the White House on Thursday morning to see the Christmas decorations. This year's theme was a patriotic one. We were greeted by two large Uncle Sam-like nutcrackers outside of the East Wing. From there, he visited all of the rooms and had fun touching anything he could. There were lots of sparkly lights and shiny ornaments everywhere in red, white, and blue.

Uncle Sam nutcrackers outside of the East Wing entrance.

Big and important in the corridors (Nickolas, that is).

Family photo.

Touching anything shiny.

The Blue Room tree.

Nickolas's "John John" moment in the East Room through mommy's dress (instead of the President's desk).

A fragrant white chocolate gingerbread house a pregnant mommy was drooling over.

Nickolas getting the eye from Secret Service.

That was fun! Hopefully I can come back someday in another 4 or 8 years.

Here's a link to Nickolas's first visit last Christmas.

http://weechitlin.blogspot.com/2007/12/mr-nickolas-goes-to-white-house.html

Thunderstruck!

Nickolas was fired up tonight after a fun week with his friends at daycare. He knew tonight was a Friday night and wanted to party. Here's a clip of some headbanging to AC/DC. Rock on.

View from atop

Nickolas went to daddy's office before his White House Christmas decoration tour and had a fun time looking out of the window. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy and rainy day, so the Jefferson Memorial was in a haze, however, he caught a nice view of both the Lincoln and Washington Monuments. We'll certainly miss that office!



Lincoln Memorial just over the corner of the white building.


Washington Monument

Fun on the Farm for Thanksgiving

Nickolas had a lovely time in Kentucky with his Nana for Thanksgiving. Like mommy, he may have gained a pound or two with the pies, pizza, turkey dinner, cookies, stew, eggnog, and other goodies. Nickolas loved sitting in the big chairs at the dining table for all of his meals. He thoroughly enjoyed the space and fresh air being at Dan's family's home has to offer.

Pizza party Thanksgiving eve.

Making a pie with Nana and cousin Grant.

Taking a break in his Kentucky blue reading up on political theory.

With daddy and a dashing uncle David.

Gobbling turkey.


Commanding attention on the stool during the Thanksgiving meal. Apparently, Nickolas had a lot to be thankful for.

Working off the meal throwing rocks with the big boys and dog.

Tossing the pigskin after turkey and enjoying the beautiful day.

Last Hurrah

While daddy went to pick Nickolas up from Miss Bennie's this evening and while they ate meatballs, cheese, and fruit for dinner, mommy had one last hurrah at the final reception for the quarterly meetings she's been attending on behalf of the Interior since 2003. The Chairman (pictured right) knows how to throw a party at the loveliest of locations around the country. Tonight's festivities took place at the Blair House (http://www.blairhouse.org/home.html) within the White House complex with Mrs. Bush as the featured guest. What was particularly exciting was the award they handed out to those moving on with the change in the Administration, including mommy for her work with Preserve America. Surprisingly, mommy had a cheering section, which Mrs. Bush noted. What a perfect way to cap off 6 1/2 wonderful years!

Mrs. Bush and Chairman Nau

Relaxing with George and George.

The stage.

Action shot of handing grant awards at a July 2007 Hill event.

Future Olympian Ski Jumper

Aimee couldn't resist these pj's found in a Lands End catalog. They're titled "Ski Badges" however lake Placid Ski Jumping is prominently displayed front and center. We may have to buy it up in every size... One of Aimee's dearest old friends, Nickolas's aunt Karla is a long-time jumper and just happens to be featured on this month's cover of a Milwaukee magazine. We're counting down the day Nickolas can learn to jump at Steamboat's Howelson Hill! Or, for old times sake, Ishpeming's Suicide Hill or Pine Mountain's 120 meter.

Good in-flight form -- relaxed arms (with cookie) and toes pointed up and out.


Building up strength.


Our favorite cover girl.

Karla in Switzerland (photo taken by her mom, Carol)

Back in '06 in Steamboat.

Thank you Grandma Julie

Nickolas had a great time and was well-fed while Grandma Julie came to visit. Aimee was particularly happy since she didn't have to change a single diaper for 3 days and was also well-fed. We all enjoyed peak colors on the trees along with some great fall weather that allowed for walks in Old Town, the National Mall, and to our neighborhood bakery (twice). We were certainly sad to see her go this morning but extremely grateful for all that she did.

Someone thinks they're gonna get to my diaper!



I really want to play with the geese and chase the pigeons. Can Grandma keep up with me?


Baking my great-great grandmother's sugar cookie recipe (while spaghetti simmers).


This generation approves -- a good sugar cookie after five generations!

BIG NEWS FROM BIG BROTHER NICKOLAS

BIG NEWS: I'm going to be a big brother!!! And, I just found out I'm going to have a sister!!! I will be meeting her finally sometime in March. By then I will be really big -- 2 years old! I think I will be a great big brother. I do love other wee ones. I wonder if she'll be as cute as me? Mommy can feel her kicking and I enjoy patting her big belly. I was wondering why it was getting bigger and bigger!

Kindermusik

Mommy finally brought a camera to Kindermusik class this week. Nickolas goes every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:15 am to have fun with his friends and Miss Tracy. This week, Grandma Julie was able to witness the fun. Today they sang songs, danced, cooked in the kitchen (with aprons and chef hats), and had story time. Nickolas got so into the story, he climbed right into Miss Tracy's lap with wee Liam. We had cds of songs from Kindermusik we listen to often in the car, which Nickolas loves clapping to while riding. During class, he has lots of fun running around the room and playing with all of the musical instruments and household items.

Boo!

Happy Halloween! Nickolas had a great time showing off his costume at cousin Susie's house with grandma Julie in town. He was well rested after a 4 hour nap(!) and stayed up past 11:00pm as happy as a clam. Nickolas had a great time with Wayne and rearranging everything in their home. He was also quite busy handing candy out to over 100 trick-o-treaters. Nickolas even caught on to a few repeated offenders. As you can see, Nickolas was dressed like his teddy bear he loves so dearly. We all couldn't stop squeezing and hugging him as he waddled around headless at times. What fun!

Here's Nickolas one year ago as a chicken for Halloween:

http://weechitlin.blogspot.com/2007/10/happy-halloween.html

Still kicking waaaaay after bedtime. In pj's, at least.