Evie's Christmas #1

Evie had a fantastic first Christmas surrounded by lots of family and friends! On Christmas Eve we traveled up to Spring Lake for a lovely couple of days. Evie was amazed by the beautiful big tree with the shiny globes that reflected the old-school colored lights that her Dad loves so much. We had the traditional McDonald spaghetti and meatballs dinner that night and started a new tradition by pulling the Christmas crackers that Casey had brought. Evie is all smiles these days!


The next morning, Santa had come! Evie participated in the great gift exchange and even helped unwrap a present or two. Everyone had a great time playing with the two babies -- Julianna and Evie -- before it was time to hit the hay. The next day Mom and Dad continued their tour of Nutcracker performances by taking in the show by the New York City Ballet. Both agreed that Boston Ballet is still the #1 Nutcracker, over Chicago, DC, New York, and Philadelphia. Mom can't wait to take Evie when she gets just a little bit older. While they were in the city, Evie had a great time strolling the Spring Lake boardwalk with Grandma and taking a nap on Popi's chest.

Adorable pictures taken by Grandma Beanie!

Lucky Evie had lots of visitors this weekend, including Grandma Beanie and Pops, and Katrina's friend from college Jen Alt. Grandma caught some great moments on film, like Evie checking out the colored lights on the tree with Daddy, taking a bath, and the post-bath picture wrapped in her towel. Evie is "talking" more and more everyday and smiling all the time! She truly is the most easy-going baby ever (in our humble opinion, but verified by others!).

Evie helps decorate the tree... well, sort of...

On Saturday we put up our Christmas tree and Evie helped by providing the entertainment. She is a big fan of the colored lights and each day we look at a new ornament, and Evie often falls asleep to the XM Holiday channel (although Marc and I are beginning to get a little tired of the Nutcracker). Only 12 days left to go!

An Old Town Tradition: The Scottish Walk

In early December the family went out to experience the annual Scottish Walk Parade down St. Asaph with Jen and Andrew. Although it was a little cold we warmed up with hot cocoa and cider and kept the babies bumbled up in their strollers. Willard Scott was Grand Marshall this year, and he was followed by many men in kilts (including the MacDonald clan - well, pretty much our relatives), Scottish terriers, and bagpipers galore! We don't know how those guys stayed warm in their short skirts.

Extra Picture of Evie's Baptism

Aunt Mellie just sent out pictures of Evie's baptism and here is a fun one to share: this is Evie in her christening gown and baptismal "bib". She looks a little bewildered about all the scented oil on her head!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

December is here and we're having so much fun introducing Evie to the holidays! Before Thanksgiving we took her to see the famous Santa Claus at Tysons Center - here is Evie chilling on Santa's lap, not knowing exactly what's going on (and is probably wondering where her shoes are). After much jumping up and down and squealing by Mom, she finally cracked a smile caught on film. Below, Evie is mesmerized by the German "Pyramiden" carousel - we can't wait for her to take part in singing "Stille Nacht" although I guess it's a few years off before she can have any Gluhwein.

We also watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the Boris Karloff not the Jim Carrey version) together - speaking of which, doesn't Tootsie resemble the dog in the cartoon (minus the deer antler, of course).