John and Jessie's Wedding

John and Jessie were married December 29, 2008 at Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville, VA. The beautiful reception was at Piedmont Country Club. Father Mullins said the Mass. The bride and groom were so happy, and we had a wonderful time. Clara danced the entire night!!!

Christmas Morning

Clara was a good girl this year and Santa made it to the house without a hitch. She loved trying on her new princess jewelry, playing with her alligator xylophone, working with her new puzzles, and especially enjoying her brand new slide! She opened each gift on her own and would slide while Mommy picked up the wrappings. She also received a little crib for her baby dolls, but was quite concerned that the babies would not have a pillow in their bed. Chloe had to be content sitting in the crib until a pillow could be found. Thanks to Grandmom Condon for the cute "ginger jammies!"

Finding Our Tree

Merrifield Garden Center was once again our place for "plant/tree" needs. We went out on a Thursday night to choose our tree. Clara loved pulling the wagon around the tree yard, and she especially loved playing hide and seek among the trees.

Merry Christmas!

Clara's first visit to see Santa. She would not sit on his lap, but she did give him a high five and a hug. She was quite friendly, but, as usual for a new experience, she took it very seriously.

Camden Adventure Aquarium

Saturday after Thanksgiving, we were graciously invited to join the Bisignano family at the aquarium to celebrate Samantha's 2nd birthday. We had so much fun! The aquarium was decorated for the holidays, and we even saw a little show with Scuba Santa and his ElFISH helpers. It was so amazing to see the animals up close and in some cases even touch them. They had a shark tunnel we walked through to see them swimming all around us. Clara was amazed by everything and recognized many of the animals.

Clara had no fears and was gentle when she reached for the starfish.

Though willing to put her hand in the sand shark tank, the little guys were just too quick for her.

Clara and Aunt Jen resting on the sea turtle statue.

The seals were fun but also a little shy.

Clara in her party attire ready to see the penguins.

Checking out the penguin enclosure at her own level.

Watching the hippos swim past.

Black Friday

Clara, Grandpop and Daddy went to the park while the girls braved the stores on Black Friday.

Grandpop had Clara roaring with laughter while she was swinging.

Clara climbs the ladder towards the slide.

Clara and Daddy (who was the photographer for these great shots!)

Thanksgiving 2008

Taking inventory of Grandmom's walnuts. We found these all over the house throughout the weekend.

Pre-feast reading

sipping from Grandmom's crystal

She didn't have a taste for turkey, but she did love the rolls!

with Great Grandmom and Great Grandpop DeBoyace

She looked so sweet in her little gold sweater dress.

Clara's First Haircut

After nearly two years, it was time to say goodbye to the wispy, odd ends that were holding back Clara's style. With Grandmom Condon in town, we headed to Cartoon Cuts for a quick trim. Clara was wary but very good until someone at another station turned on a hair dryer - then she lost it. Despite tears in her eyes, we were very pleased with the final look, and Grandmom took Clara to see the holiday animals around the mall. Thanks to Grandmom for a fun visit, and for treating Clara to her first trim!

Aunt Annie and Baby Humbi Visit again

Aunt Annie and Baby Cousin Humbi escaped their fumed apartment in NYC for another visit to Virginia. We enjoyed seeing them again and Clara especially loved the extra playmates.

Clara offers Aunt Annie some tea.

A dynamic duet!

Cutie Pies

Fall Picnic and Wine Tasting

Early in November, we went to Tarara Winery in Leesburg with our friends Jamie and Matt. We were hoping to take in the lovely Leesburg scenery, and we had our timing just right as it was peak time for the beautiful fall leaves. We did dress alike on purpose in hopes of getting some good family pictures. The first one we used for our Christmas card.

Clara and Daddy laughing by the lake.

Clara's bunny is a true and faithful companion.

First Video on the Blog

Here is our first video on the blog, and I think it's quite appropriate as we enter hte upcoming holiday season.

All is well here. It's busy at work for Chris and busy for me at school. We're really looking forward to a break.

Trick or Treat

Our Halloween started off with pumpkin carving with Daddy. Clara told him the shapes she wanted for the "face" requesting circles for eyes, a triangle for the nose. She also decided that she wanted her pumpkin to have teeth. After a quick PB&J dinner (she wouldn't eat the spaghetti Mommy rushed to make), she put on her costume and spent a few minutes admiring herself in the mirror. We had so much fun trick or treating with Kendall and her parents. Daddy stayed at the house to pass out candy, but we were sure to stop at his house for some extra good treats. Clara and Kendall were so polite, sweet, and patient saying thank you to each person we met. They looked so small next to the doors, and received many "aww's, and ohhh's." Clara was out for about an hour and she walked the whole way and also carried her candy pumpkin. She has never really had candy, but she thought it was fun to send her lollipops sliding down the ramp of her toy car garage. It makes both of us very excited for all of the holidays that we will experience together as a family now that Clara is old enough to get it. We hope you all had as much fun tonight as we did.