The Midwest Swing Part 1

Every Christmas season, our family has a BIG decision to make on where to spend the holidays. We have 3 states to choose from and each are equally important to us. This year, we decided the Midwest swing was in order which consists of OHIO, ST. LOUIS, and CHICAGO. It may sound a bit mental; however, it's what felt right and so far I couldn't be more happy that this was the decision we made.

We are officially half way through our trip and the kiddos are having a blast. Maybe it's the 3 Christmases so far and 1 more on the way but I'd like to attribute it to the time that's been shared with our beautiful family. We have grandparents that adore them, aunties and uncles who eat them up, and cousins who are creating amazing memories together. 

Hope everyone one is having a BRIGHT and BEAUTIFUL Christmas season!

Here's a quick recap of the past two weeks!

Before we left DC, our weekend was filled with over 2 feet of snow!!! It was awesome to say the least!

A view from the front 

Daddio had a blast building a snowman with the kiddos! (Note: We are not terrible parents...Mr. Landon came out for a cameo appearance without his shoes!!!)

Papa Raftery surprised Kennedy and Landon with a new wooden playhouse for Christmas! This will be a big hit this SPRING!

Priceless expression Christmas morning

Geared up for our first trip into Ohio. Although this leg of the trip only consisted of a day in a half we truly enjoyed seeing Nana, Auntie Meaghan, Aunt Kitty, and all the beautiful cousins!

Mr. Landon is OBSESSED with his new xylophone from Nana!

Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3 coming straight from the STL and the Windy City!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Capitol Christmas

This past weekend, we decided to head downtown and see the Capitol Christmas tree that traveled all the way from Arizona. This year's theme was called "The People's Tree" where 6,ooo handcrafted ornaments where hung on the tree by Arizona schoolchildren. It was beautiful to say the least. 

We also checked out the Botanical Gardens which has an amazing train display that Landon was absolutely enthralled with. 

This city is quickly becoming a place that our family loves!

Belting it Out!

This past Thursday, Miss K had her Christmas recital at her preschool. They've been rehearsing for weeks! The only way I actually know this for certain is that Kennedy has been singing the "Happy birthday Jesus" song non-stop! She's been super excited about the whole event...the music, her friends, the special dress, etc, etc. I have to say that there is something so amazing about watching your child up on stage belting out songs about Jesus. I'm so proud of who she is and the girl she is turning into. I LOVE that little girl!!!

Here's a little clip of the evening (FYI: She's the one to the left in the black dress)

Giving Thanks...

Last year, I had this "vision" of hosting our very first Thanksgiving at our home (wherever that ended up to be). We were pretty sure that DC would be that place so I called our family and everyone was in!!! I love love love entertaining so I was super thrilled to have such a grand opportunity. It was a weekend filled with love, family, and thankfulness! Thank you to all for making this year extra special...we are beyond thankful for the family God has given to us!!! 

Our Table was set...

our excitement was in gear...

our love filled the air!

My beautiful SISTERS!!!

Our turkey (prepared by mi madre) made a grand entrance!

Serve it up Daddy-O!

Grandma Patty looking pretty as can be

Auntie Nicole became Miss K's pillow after a long day!

Friday was spent exploring DC with the family...it was a cold windy day but we had a great time just being together

Metro Love!

Miss K and Landon had Christmas early with Grandma K and Papa Gary. She decided a swim suit would be the BEST way to open gifts. I just love her fashion sense!

Saturday we went to Georgetown. This place is truly one of my favorite areas in DC. Landon is in LOVE with Santa this year!

On Sunday, we went to this amazing tree farm in Chantilly, VA. It was beautiful and oh so much fun for the kiddos. 

My sister Meaghan - love you!!!

They had this HUGE slide that the kids adored. After about the tenth time going down, Miss K took her brother. I just love this pic of them!

The baby goats loved Landon and Landon loved them even more!!!

Thanks for a great Thanksgiving weekend everyone!!! We love and miss you already!

As I explained in our last post, we have a TON of pics from the time we got into DC until now. It's been a busy few weeks with moving in, getting the kids settled, and most of all keeping peace and fun in the Raftery house. We've had our "moments" of stress but I have to say that I'm super proud of the way my family pulled it all together. It amazes me how children can become so adaptable given the right environment. Through it all my number one guy has put up with my Type A personality which is definitely commendable in itself! 

We left some amazing things in Jax...our church, friends, and first home; however, despite all of those things God has been here directing our path and giving us peace along the way! We are blessed to have the Andersons and Papa Raftery here in DC to share in the next couple of years ahead. Life is good!

Here's some pics highlighting our last few weeks!

Peek-a-boo!

These hands where made for dirt!!!

My two sweeties at the Pumpkin Patch

Head butt LOVE

Meet Minnie and her sidekick 

Mickey 

Exploring in our new city

The Capital

 Our Landon in front of the White House

In fields of green 

and gold!

This makes my heart melt!

At first glance, this may look like an "ordinary" cake; however, Chef Kennedy surprised me with my very own birthday cake this year!!! I came home after my hair appointment and to my surprise she literally told Jared what measurements she needed (1 cup of flour, 2 cups of sugar, and 1/2 cup of water) and wala a perfect cake just for her mommy!!! Love that girl!

To make the day even extra special, Jared took me out to Old Town Alexandria for dinner and surprised me with tickets to the National Symphony. Love that guy too!!! Last year of my 20's...here I come!!!!

We're BACK!!!

Wow! That's all I can say right now...wow, wow, and a little more WOW! 

Seriously, what did we all do when there was no Internet?

It was not long ago that life happened without it and now we (or maybe I should say I) have found myself a bit stressed without it!

We have yet to get our Internet set up due to a bigger issue that I don't have enough space or time to write about; therefore, I find myself at Borders while the kids have 20 more minutes in school using there free WiFi. It feels pretty good I must say!

I have hundreds of pics to share from the time we got into DC until now but for our first blog (in seriously forever) I wanted to introduce our new house! We love it! The location, neighborhood, scenery, and interior truly fit our family! We have a little more work to do (hanging pics/decorating) but I feel like we are settled and that feels oh so amazing!

In no given order, the pics of our new home...

The Front

Powder Room (main level)

Family Room (basement)

Play Room (basement) The kids love having there own space!

Kitchen (main floor)

Foyer (main level)

Entrance view (main level)

Master Bedroom (3rd floor)

Our bathroom is not pictured but it has this oh so fabulous shower that I have come to adore (it's the little things!!!)

Kids Bedroom (3rd floor) They have a bathroom as well which has been extremely handy!

Another snap shot of Kennedy and Landon's room (and yes they are sharing a room! It's been a good transition so far and the nightly giggles are the best!)

Living Room (main level)

Front Porch Love!

I choose not to take pics of our loft which is on the 4th level. It is a great space where the office is still in progress. This will also serve as our guest bedroom where our family and friends can enjoy there own space! Yippee for space!