and the holiday season begins...

We had a whirlwind 3-night trip to Anthony's parents in Maryland and had a wonderful, wonderful time. We packed in a visit with Samantha, one of Beatrice's orphanage sisters, lots of time with cousins, a trip into DC, and more food than can be imagined.

Beatrice and her daddy in Watkins Park, where Anthony spent many hours of his childhood.

When Samantha arrived, the two girls took off toward the playground. There was no transition time between them, just smiles and fun right away!

They were perfectly balanced on the seesaw,

and had fun on the tire swing!

I think they proclaimed themselves to be fortune cookie sellers in this "shop."

Airborn on the bouncy bridge!

After two hours they were "pretending" to be asleep on the playset. And within 30 minutes each was probably sound asleep for real! What a fun visit on a beautiful Thanksgiving morn.

A gang of 30+ people went to my sister-in-law Lucy's house later that day, and the basement became a playground. Here's B. with Miles and Liza playing the "drum" (tambourine).

Very serious conversation going on here.....

Movies were running and here are some tv-head faces

But B. only lasted so long before she created a kitchen and got busy cooking with Miles and Rain.

Her cousins Linden and Raina slept over and the next morning more fun was to be had. B. awoke and was rarin' to go.

Pig pile!

Off to DC to the Museum of Natural History

Gorgeous weather was icing on the cake

There was a fantastic exhibit that remains on my mind.

B. just loves her older cousins!

As usual in world-famous locations, my daughter fell asleep and missed most of the museum.

We headed to Chinatown to grab a mid-afternoon meal.

Another serious chat with Raina while waiting for the dumplings to arrive.

Big hug as Miles heads home.

The girls left happy with 2012 calendars in hand! More sad goodbyes came later. Tomorrow we attend the Holiday Dazzle light parade here in town, which is the official kickoff in my mind to the Christmas season and, in preparation, Beatrice got to wear her Santa's Helper pajamas that she has had in her closet for about 18 months. First they were too big, then it was too hot to wear them, and finally it's time! Or should I say 'tis the season? I have a feeling this is going to be a very, very special Christmas with my little family this year.