HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

(And I really need to take some recent pictures of just the two of you.)

 I hope your day is full of praise for what God has done in your lives. 

LOVE, SCHWESTERLEIN

The National Christmas Tree

I finally got around to going into the D.C. city center to see the National Christmas Tree!

Emily came with me.

And so did Victoria and her mommy, Ginny.

There were multiple model trains going around the base of the tree.

We even saw Thomas the Train and some of his friends!  This was Victoria's favorite.

Each State also had a tree with decorations representing it.  Here is the Virginia tree.

And here is Montana's sign and tree. . .

They had pottery mugs on their tree.

There was also a nativity tucked in the corner.

Some fun buildings at night. . .the Department of the Treasury. . .

. . .the back of the White House. . .

. . .the Washington Memorial. . .

A perspective of where the tree was located. . .in front of the White House and in line with the Washington Monument.

A Tea Party with Victoria

Miss Victoria and I were finally able to have a tea-party today. She even dressed up for the occasion.

Good 'til the last goatee. . .er. . .drop.  ;)

Christmas Eve in Kandern

 Ok, not quite in Kandern, but this was a beautiful sunset as we left the airport in IAD!

 Helping decorate for the Christmas meal that I couldn't attend on Christmas day. . . I was pleased to see the decorations, at least!

 One shot of my cousin(s), Melody on the piano and Karyn on violin, playing at the Christmas Eve service.

 Merry Christmas to US!!!

 Both of these are cute. . .

 . . .of "Aunt" Doris and Katie.

 "Opa" being silly. . .blurry pic, but LOVE that smile and bow!

 A quick stop on the way home to take a pic of the "Advent Wreath Fountain" in the middle of town.

 Homey Christmas decor.

 

Merry Christmas to ME!!!

I get to work a trip to Europe, and layover just in time to spend Christmas Eve with my parents in Germany, then fly back here on Christmas day.  Thank You, God, for Christmas miracles!!

Small Group Christmas Party

Shots with a self-timer, and a mistaken self timer, caught some pretty beautiful and fabulous ladies on film. I love these guys!!!

A Pinning Ceremony

I got to attend a special ceremony with my adopted family here in the D.C. area. Emily (my former roommate) arrived from Brazil this morning, just in time to surprise her sister for her graduation/pinning from nursing school.

Of course, the parents were there, too!  Tom and Georgeanne have been good friends for a lot of years.

Sarah, R.N.!!!!

LOVE this pic of sister hugging!  I think it looks super cute as a Polaroid!!

Christmas Decorating Help

 

 This is my little roommate, Victoria.  She helped me decorate our basement tonight.

 The most important piece. . .holding up baby Jesus!

 And our Christmas tree upstairs. . .at night.  ;o )

Early Christmas in Seattle

Lots more fun was had in Seattle before I left. First of all, we had a wedding. . .or two! Fun times.

 

Then CoCo helped me label some Christmas presents.  She even labeled her OWN Christmas presents!

 

We also put our boots out on Dec. 5th to celebrate St. Nicholas Day on the 6th.  

 

Then the girls helped me do some baking.  Graci licked out the bowl. . .with her head INSIDE of it!