Last night we went to the White House for an evening Christmas tour and afterwards to a leisurely family dinner at a restaurant within walking distance. It was nice to slow down and actually get to spend a few minutes just enjoying the season together with the family.
The decorations at the White House were particularly beautiful this year, the dinner at Cafe 15 was delicious, and the night declared a resounding success by all. I am glad that we all made time for each other in the midst of this busy time.
Of course, I took some pictures.
It is amazing how fast the kids have grown and it really shows when we start snapping pictures at events like this. Now my son is 18 and taller than me. I still get to tell him what to do though - and sometimes he may actually listen. I'm just not sure how much and it's probably better that I don't know.
The White House dressed for the holiday season.
Lincoln overlooks the perfect dining room.
White House cake masterpiece looks too good to eat.
These huge trees are decorated in tones of gold and sit to either side of an elaborate nativity scene.
The library looks festive and inviting.
And of course, there was music.
On the way back we passed the National Christmas Tree on the Mall. Listening to my 2007 Christmas play list as we drove home, the generally feeling was that we had managed to enjoy the perfect holiday evening. I believe that is a little Christmas miracle and I am very thankful for it.
"and sometimes he may actually listen" Yes, as our kids have grown older they seem to have greater appreciation for the value of stuff we might say. Now that our youngest is 22, we find that we seem to have adult conversations. It's quite nice.
Mark Twain commented on this: "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned."
Posted by: Jim | December 24, 2007 at 11:50 PM
P.S. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Jim | December 24, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Your Christmas sounds like it's off to a lovely start. Merry Christmas. I only hope that the rest of the holiday is just as magical for you and yours.
Posted by: Blue Opal | December 25, 2007 at 02:21 AM
Family time plus an interesting and beautiful excursion equals a perfect Christmas, as far as I'm concerned. It sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Margaret | December 25, 2007 at 06:49 PM
What a nice evening.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Yvonne | December 28, 2007 at 10:52 AM
I love the pictures! I'm glad you had a great time!
Posted by: Christopias Spritopher | January 01, 2008 at 09:58 PM
These are lovely:) I read you all the time, I just don't always commnent:) I used to write at trinity63:)
Posted by: West Coast Diva | January 02, 2008 at 04:17 PM
I'd love to tour the White House at Christmas! How nice for you, and thanks for posting photos.
Posted by: kenju | January 10, 2008 at 11:36 PM