Chase told Santa he wants a plane that scoops water for Christmas.  Don't know what Bryce wants this year.  But Bryce loves to say "Christmas lights", "Santa", and "Frosty, the Snowman".  He still just as the cutest and sweetest voice.  And he is always talking up a storm and still says "mommy" fifty million times a day.  But I just love these boys to death.  Chase is still so sweet.  He is my little helper these days.  And when Bryce is not cooperating when we are out in about, I just tell him to hold Chase's hand or do what Chase is doing, and then he does and I can relax. 

 Brothers.  Couple of Chase stories.  We were driving home the other night after swim class and Chase randomly says, "Mom, how is Santa going to come to our house when we don't have a chimney."(they must have talked about that in school)  I laughed to myself and said we would leave a window open.  He liked that answer and then counted which houses had chimneys and which houses Santa would have to come in the window.
When I picked Chase up from preschool yesterday, they had a Christmas tree outside his classroom.  It had a list of all the kids names and what their favorite thing was about Christmas.  Next to Chase's name it said, "Chase likes giving presents".  I think he was the only one that said that.  He has loved helping to make presents for his teachers, toys for tots, and picking presents out for a couple of his friends birthdays this past week and Bryce's birthday coming up.  And tonight he completely wrapped all by himself with wrapping paper and tape a present for Bryce.(I think inside it is some old trains and tunnel that he found in the play room and he wrote his name on a little tag that he cut out.  It is the cutest thing ever.  And he didn't like that the sides were open so he used a paper towel to close it off with tape.  It is the sweetest thing ever.  I will take a picture and post later.

 So sweet.  Love this photo of my baby Bryce.  He is going to be 2 on Saturday.  Yikes.

Ice Festival at the National Harbor

Inside the Ice Festival Tent it was 9 degrees.  So they gave everyone special coats to put on.  We felt like smurfs.  Gaylord Hotel does this ice festival every year with a different theme.  This year the theme was Shrek.  Everything was made out of ice inside.  We have been really spoiled having gone to the Sapporo Ice Festival, but this was still a fun night out.  Plus we got to hang out with Cole's buddy Matty from the Academy that was visiting from Douha with his new wife.

 Ice slide time.  So fun.

 Bryce was a little out of control his first slide down, but still wanted to go again.

 The ice nativity was the coolest part of the night.  It would also light up as they read the story of baby Jesus.

Bryce wanted a picture with baby Jesus and the lambie.  Although, the next day at church there was a  baby in the row in front of us, and he looked at me and pointed and said "baby Jesus, mommy."

Soccer Graduation

Last day of Chase's soccer class.  Boy does Chase love soccer.  He looks forward to it all week.  He is a natural.  We will be doing another soccer class this winter and Bryce will start one too.

National Zoo Lights

 While Cole was gone, I took the boys to the National Zoo lights.  It was a nice night, super crowded, but Chase and Bryce were glad that Spencer and his parents met us there to walk around at the lights.

 Mole rats.  Had to take this picture for Cole.

 Chase picked the cheetah because it is the fastest.

 Bryce picked the Panda Bear.  So cute.

The boys having a light saber war while I was trying to take a picture of the Tigers.  Thank you Spencer's mom for the light sabers.  My boys were in heaven.

Cole goes to New Orleans for a Conference

 Out to dinner in New Orleans with all the sports medicine fellows.

 I am guessing this is Bourbon Street?

Yum.

Winter Lights at Brookside Gardens

 I am surprised we caught a smile here with Chase.  Chase fell asleep during the 25 minute car ride to Brookside Gardens.  So he was not thrilled to wake up and be in the cold.  But hot chocolate and going into the train exhibit later on did brighten up his spirits.

 Picture with dad next to the train exhibit inside the conservatory.  The boys favorite thing of the whole night.

American University B-Ball Game

Front row seats for the team doc and his family, plus free food.  Not too shabby.  The boys had a good time at their first sporting event.  Although there favorite thing about the game was seeing and meeting the Eagle AU mascot.

Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial Fun

The day after Thanksgiving we took Grandma and Grandpa to the Mall.  It was a beautiful day, which made it great for taking lots of pictures.  Love the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. All the memorials are so beautiful during the day and night.  Love this city.