{Christmas 2011}

2011, in general, was a whirlwind of a year. Alyvia was born, spent 6 days in the NICU. Adjusting to life with 2 kids, Jonas starting preschool, bad backs, ear infections, heartache, and 5 more days in the hospital with Alyvia. We were blessed beyond measure this year. I know that. But I was happy to wish a new year with health and happiness.

Since we stayed in MD for Christmas I was determined to get the Christmas rush done early so we could enjoy some of the things DC has to offer at Christmas time. We aren't usually here long enough to take advantage. So early in December we set out on a Sunday afternoon to stay at The National Harbor (near downtown DC) and take the kids to see ICE! Madagascar. We went a few years ago when it was The Grinch and loved it. Alyvia had been sick, so we were unsure how things would go. It was a disappointment to say the least. Since we didn't sleep well that night (Alyvia was sick, Jonas was excited for a new bed and a new adventure), we were a little on edge. The ICE! was way too cold for our kids (It was blowing cold wind like the arctics!) and so we hurried through. I think if we go again, it will be just Devin and I!

Jonas was freezing already.

We took Alyvia back to the Dr. after ICE! She was obviously not feeling any better (After 48 hours on an antibiotic and a nebulizer). It was craziness after that. Lets just say it involved me riding with my 10 month old to the hospital in an ambulance (her oxygen was really low), and 5 days on the peds. floor. RSV was the official diagnoses, but it took us WAAAAAYYYY too long to get to that point. Its so awful to watch your kids (especially a baby) be sick. You're helpless, they're helpless. It was not fun.

But she did get better and we carried on with our Christmas plans.

Visiting the National Christmas Tree was next on my list. We went when Jonas was a baby and it was fun. This year they had the trains all around the tree. Obviously Jonas was in heaven...even though he was very upset at first that he couldn't actually play with them.

This is one of several.

Devin and Jonas. The tree is planted in the ground, so it is up all year, but they decorate it for Christmas. It was a new tree this year and much smaller than years passed. It just needs some time to grow. The weather was nice and we had lots of fun. Alyvia went with us but was stuck in her stroller with the plastic wind/rain cover over her and she was bundled up like the Michelin man. I am determined NOT to go back to Shady Grove Hospital again!!!

The rest of Christmas was nice and quiet. We did take the kids to see the Winter Festival of Lights. They both loved it because we let them sit in the front seat of the car so they could see better. My favorite was every time we went under an archway of lights Jonas would get really excited to go "in the tunnel", as he said. We opened P.J.'s on Christmas Eve and Jonas got CARS2. We watched it together and sent the kids to bed about 9:30. Jonas finally crashed about 10:30-and sometime after that Santa did his magic.

We were all very spoiled, and feel so thankful for family and friends who love us.

We went to church Christmas morning and then spent the day opening presents and eating a yummy lunch with friends.

Our New Years included the 4 of us relaxing at home. The kids were in bed by 9 and Devin and I watched a movie and crashed shortly after.

Happy New Year to All. Lets hope 2012 is filled with as many blessings as 2011!!