Holiday Cheer 2014

Thanksgiving officially kicked off the holiday season with a delightful visit at Raymond and Susana's.  Cousin Aaron and his family traveled to DC, where Stephan got to meet his second cousins for the first time.  Gigi and Elise took mighty good care of him while Jan and I got to eat and visit.  Following the holiday, Stephan took in the DC holiday sites - the Botanical Garden decorated with Christmas trees and beautiful flower arrangements.  He also took in a few exhibits at the National Geographic - the dinosaur exhibit by far was more stimulating than the history of food :).  Of course, a couple of visits through Zoolights at the National Zoo cemented his love for all things animals.

Stephan joined his friends at the annual holiday party in the apartment building. Santa did not disappoint.  December also brought a short but sweet visit with Grandpa Joaquin and sister Rachael, the latter on a pitstop home via Moldova.  Their visit plus the on-going viewing of the animated "The Snowman" ignited a glorious holiday spirit.  Upon hearing that we were replacing a Christmas tree with an abundance of Christmas lights in the apartment, a few of my work colleagues surprised us with a life-size indoors/outdoors Snowman on Christmas Eve.  It was truly magical!  The Snowman definitely marked the holiday season!

On Christmas day, Santa surprised Stephan with a few books, clothes, and trains.  His Uncle Michael and Aunt Jody gifted him with his first wheels - vrooom!!!  On New Year's Eve, we slept through the ball-drop but made up for it New Year's Day with a lovely visit with our neighbor Beth, who brought a delicious casserole and bottle of Prosecco.

We said goodbye to 2014 with joy and fondness and welcome to a new year of good health, peace, and adventure!