epiphany + 2

Since I am still sending out a few remaining Christmas presents and at least 40% of our neighbors still have their Christmas decorations up, I thought it passable to do a quick Christmas highlights post. I know even the 12 Days of Christmas are up and it's two days past the Epiphany, but I wanted to document our fun December. 

We loved going to Zoo Lights at the National Zoo with our friends Ashley, Max and Anderson, who discovered a new love for kettle corn while we were there.

us with a the Pusz family and a sad-looking Panda Claus

And we shag danced to a swing-y version of "Jingle Bells" at the Georgetown Assembly Ball at the Chevy Chase Club. 

my sister-in-law Suzanne was kind to let me borrow her dress, one she'd worn in a wedding...it was perfect for the evening.

Richard and I had a date night while waiting for fiscal cliff news. The Botanical Garden has model trains throughout, and replicas of DC buildings made out of plant material. We lucked out and hit it on one of the weeknights it was open later to accommodate holiday visitors.

Lincoln Memorial in the foreground and the Capitol in the background

Botanical Garder Christmas tree

festive reindeer

Capitol tree

it started pouring rain, so sweet Richard protected my bag as we made a dash for the car

Closer to the White House, there are 50 state trees with ornaments from each state on the Ellipse, and an adorable Santa's Workshop with the bearded man himself. Adorable!

so cold and wet but happy to be seeing Santa

the inside of Santa's Workshop

Santa looked a little worn out

 the National Tree

And a few pictures of the Webb tree and house decorations...

tall and skinny this year

loved our decorated living room

reading to Fancy Nancy to my sweet buddy Gia at a drop-in at her house

It has become our tradition, when we are home at least, to have a little gathering at Richard's parents' house for our friends in the area. It's so much fun to catch up with everyone! 

Meghanne, Penelope and Kellianne

little ones watching Richard's trains

my beautiful sister-in-law and her friends Jen, Molly and Molly's adorable MK

love the O'Sullivan family

the Blantons and the Bishops

We celebrated Christmas Day at my parents' house and had dinner with everyone at Richard's, and it was wonderful to have everyone all in the same place. I literally had tears of happiness in my eyes as I walked into Richard's house and was just comforted by knowing all the people I love the most were in my line of sight.

my brother Jeff, cousin Alyx, me, Richard and my brother Will all around the Christmas tree

the original Davis 5

the "kid's table"

and the adults plus Richard

Richard's family tradition is to go see a movie on Christmas night, so we all went out (well most of us at least) to see Les Mis at the Spartanburg movie theater. It was so, so good, and I couldn't hold back the tears. Russell Crowe may not be the best singer, but he makes a great Javert. And it was a great end to a lovely Christmas.