Decking the Halls

We won't be sticking around DC for Christmas this year -- instead we are taking advantage of our offices being closed and heading for the West Coast to spend Christmas in California and New Year's in Idaho -- but we have made an effort to "deck the halls" around our little apartment to bring in some pre-holiday cheer.

Here's a picture of our Charlie Brown-like* Christmas tree:

Close-up of the angel on the top -- a gift from Colonial Williamsburg that Shane surprised me with last year:


And my attempt at being domestic by stringing Christmas cards along a wire:


*For those of you unfortunate souls unaware of what a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree is we're provided the following instructional video clip:

Introducing Ivy #2

Cousin Brad Erickson and his wife, Julie, welcomed their second child into the world this past week. Little Ivy Maurine has dark hair and skin, according to her dad, which means she's pretty much looks like her gorgeous mom.

7 lbs, 21"Born 12/13/07

I have to admit I'm excited to think there's someone else with my name around. I've met a few randomly in my life but never had a conversation with one. Even more fun -- "Ivy Maurine" sounds an awful lot like "Ivy Jeanne."

Ivy with her big brother, Bowman (19 mos.)