December 17, 2015

More Fun With George in New Orleans

Day two started with breakfast (and maybe a Bacon Bloody Mary) at The Ruby Slipper.  Next, we walked around a bit, where we enjoyed the creative way homeowners keep people from climbing fences!  Then we headed to Chalmette Battlefield, since Sarah enjoys those sorts of things.  The weather was absolutely perfect, so even I enjoyed the site, especially the house, which was decorated for Christmas.  We toured various parts of the city, and saw the Steamboat houses.  Next we braved the French Quarter, securing a very impressive parking spot!  The Cathedral was closed for a wedding, but Sarah enjoyed the street magician.  She was so excited, that she didn't want to leave, so George went down to Cafe Du Monde for our beignets while we explored Jackson Square.  While we were there, a couple got engaged!  Then it was time to head to the airport.  On the way back to the car, we saw a tiny parade, and George made sure Sarah got some beads (not on Bourbon Street, but Royal).  Then, as we ate our beignets, we covered the interior of his car with powered sugar!  We were sad to leave such a wonderful place!

Fun with George in New Orleans

After a full day at the museum, where Sarah chatted with Gary Sinise and had her picture taken with him, or course . . . we were scooped up by our buddy George for a night of fun!  First, we had dinner at Joey K's, where I had the greatest onion rings on earth.  Then we headed to Sucre for dessert (even though we were stuffed from dinner).  Then we headed to a Christmas concert with the New Orleans Volunteer Orchestra (NOVO).  On our way to the Roosevelt to see the lights inside, George pulled over so I could take a picture of this sign.  Who wouldn't want to live where the parade route sign was permanent?!?

WWII Museum Dedication Ceremony

For Sarah's 2014-2015 NHD project, she was selected to represent Maryland at the opening of "Road to Tokyo" at the World War II Museum.  Her school website shared this cute moment I sent to the school librarian, who coordinated NHD for the school:
Sarah & World War II Veteran Woody Williams, Medal of Honor recipient

Read the essays students wrote for the ceremony here.

Learn about Woody Williams here.

Read a section of Sarah's journal here.

New Orleans

Sarah's trip to New Orleans from National History Day was quite a treat!  We landed Thursday evening, dropped our bags at the hotel, and went straight to the World War II Museum for a short introductory meeting and dinner.  We were able to tour the new Merchant Marine exhibit and the Road to Tokyo.  It was great to be able to see it all before the opening!

December 9, 2015

Letter to Santa

Sarah helps Daniel write a letter to Santa

December 6, 2015

I took this picture for Daniel's teacher.  He had to write things for which he was thankful on November 22nd, and he picked his teacher!

Emily's School Play

Emily played Essie is her school's production of You Can't Take it With You in early December.  Interestingly, Greg had also starred in this same play in high school, so they both made their high school acting career debut with the same exact play!  Aunt Chris came down and Nana came up to see Emily in the play!  

Playing Games

Hot Chocolate!

Nana, Aunt Chris, and I served hot chocolate to Daniel's class before their field trip to hear music from The Polar Express!  While Nana and Aunt Chris set up, I read the story to the class, which, FYI, is a total tear-jerker!

Lunch with Nana & Aunt Chris

Aunt Chris and Nana came to see Emily in her school play, but on Friday, I had the joy of going to lunch with them!

How Daniel Arranges the Nativity

Baby Jesus is actually behind the manger, since "it isn't Christmas yet."  The Ram and the Donkey are about to play football while everyone else watches. 

Hopkins Football

Daniel, Declan, Brad, and Greg cheered on Hopkins in the second round of the play-offs.

Christmas Tree

 We hunted down the perfect tree the day after Thanksgiving!

Sarah used college mail from schools she is rejecting to make a forest full of cute trees!

Friendsgiving 2015

We had Thanksgiving with our dear friends George and Gwen, along with Harrison and Imogen (Bea was out of town).  In anticipation of our tasty meal, Gwen and I sent several food-themed pictures back and forth, so it was like we were cooking together!