My sister's triplets with Santa!

It doesn't get any cuter than that!

Our First Snow of the Winter

She fell over and couldn't get up. It was so funny.

Here are a couple pictures of the kids this afternoon. We only got about 3 inches of snow, but of course Jake was thrilled because it was the first snow of the Winter and he got out of school two hours early. This is Ashley's first real snow experience. She loved being outside if I was holding her and we were watching Jake play. She wasn't too sure when I put her down.  I think she was a little scared, and she certainly didn't like it when she sat in it....as you can see:-)

Biden Christmas Party

We had the Christmas party at the VP residence this afternoon. It was as hectic as I imagined it would be with the age Ashley is, but so worth it. Unfortunately I didn't get hardly any good pictures b/c Ashley wanted me to hold her the whole time. It was very crowded and hot and she was a little overwhelmed. We got our family picture taken first. They took a couple pictures of Biden talking to Jake first and then a really cute one of Biden holding Ashley that I think will be awesome. Biden actually wanted to hold Ashley in our family picture, but she of course wanted me....shoot! After the pictures, the Biden's mingled with all of us and so I got an additional picture of VP Biden and Jake. Biden really seemed to take a liking to Jake. He kept saying what a handsome and good boy he was. He kept say, "Come here, man!" He wanted to know what Jake liked best about school....and yes.....he said recess!!!! :-) I don't think Jake got the whole magnitude of it of course, but I'm so glad I have this picture of them to explain to Jake one day. When I get our official family pictures, I will post them.

Silly Ashley

Here is a picture of a typical "Ashley" thing. She LOVES to drape herself with things. It can include necklaces, Jake's sports medals, clothes, string, pretty much anything that she can put around her neck. So....yesterday when I was trying to get ready, she was in my bottom drawer with my sports bras....and this is how she came out......one sports medal and 4 sports bras later. She wasn't too happy then b/c she couldn't figure out how to get them all off!

White House Christmas Tour

The first tree on the tour right when we came in the back entrance of the White House.

This first hallway had a bunch of these wreaths all made out of different kinds of fruits and vegetables. It was so cool.

This was one of the displays more geared towards children, of course including the "first dog."

This was the Vermeil Room with a musical theme. The table was set with Clinton and Reagan china.

I just couldn't get over the ornate chandeliers.

In the middle of these two trees was a beautiful manger scene.

This is the Green room. All of the wreaths and trees in this room were made of recycled newspaper and magazines. It was unbelievable.

A close up of one of the smaller recycled trees.

This is the official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room. Michelle Obama had 150 students from  D.C. schools make the decorations for the tree this year.

Jake in front of the tree.

This was a gingerbread house of the White House! It's a tradition dating back to the 1960's. This particular one was made of gingerbread and white chocolate and weighed over 350 pounds. It took 4 weeks to complete and this particular replica featured the interior of the White House too. It was amazing

A close up of the gingerbread White House.

This was the entrance hall foyer. The crystalized brances were beautiful. This is where presidents greet many heads of state. Oversized urns were filled with white flowers made of recycled ribbons.

This was a tree right by the entrace to the White House.

The official presidential seal.

The entrace to the White House from the outside.

The White House at night. So stunning and lit up.

We took Jake last night to the White House for a special Christmas tour. It was open to Vice President's Secret Service agents and White House staff. (The agents for Obama have their own Christmas party at the White House later.) It was beautiful. There were more Christmas trees than I could count. Every room had a different tree or trees with a specific theme. The wreaths and other Christmas decorations were so ornate and gorgeous. I loved it..... Jake was into it for a little bit, but was bummed out that he didn't get to meet Obama. I'm so glad that we took him though b/c it's one of those special moments that he will appreciate later. Next weekend our family will go to our anual Christmas party at the VP residence with the Bidens, and that is the one he really likes b/c we get our family picture taken, he gets to shake Biden's hand, and he gets to eat fancy cookies:-)