Headed Back to Charlotte

Here are a few highlights of our fabulous Christmas week in Virginia. Ellie, as you can see, was the star attraction.


Maureen and I admire Ellie. It's hard to get enough of this little pumpkin.

Mom and Dennis make the house look festive. Michael enjoys his home repair manual, courtesy of Sally and John.
Mom and Michael enjoy lunch at the local Vienna pizza place.

While out to lunch with the Santoli fam Alex taught Mo how to use the sling. It was pretty funny to watch. Alex clearly knew what she was doing while the rest of us were clueless! Mo soon got the hang of it and we couldn't get over how cute Ellie looked all snuggled up inside!

Mommy and Ellie.
Ellie was happy.

Everyone enjoys the book Alaina and Brayden gave Ellie!



We had a great time at Brian and Christy's on Friday. Granddad and Janice were in town. Mary Grace and Dennis are as fun and entertaining as ever.

Granddad introduces Ellie to "Granduck."
Ellie and her cousin Dennis.
Mary Grace shoots a game of pool with the fam. She and Uncle Brian won. Of course.
Uncle B and Great Granddad.
Michael tries to give pool shooting tips as he bonds with Ellie.
It was hard for Aunt Meg to say goodbye at the end of the night.
Great Granddad, Janice, and the cutest little bundle ever.

Merry Christmas!

Wow~I have finally started a blog! In my mind Michael will be interested in this blog and decide to post to it as well, but I am feeling doubtful. I decided that I've got some material after being home for Christmas and seeing family, friends, and my adorable niece. My sweet new camera (thanks, Dad!) will hopefully make this easier. Here we are enjoying a few presents from John and Sally. They spent their day flying up to Maine and meandering around LLBean. We missed them, but we know they're having fun in the snow.

We heard from Charlie today. Here is a fun picture of him on the ship. Michael was also able to talk with Quinn in Iraq and Charlie N. (in Arlington!) which was nice.

One of the highlghts of the trip has been seeing everyone in Arlington. Here are a few good shots.