Ice Skating

Ah, winter. The weather is chi-i-i-lly (but no ice like up north). Miri got a hockey stick and skating sweater for her birthday, courtesy of the Massachusetts Myers. That means one thing...time to hit the ice! We drove past the crowded malls to get to the crowded skating rink only to learn that Miri was deemed too little to venture onto the slippery stuff. Apparently, it's "dangerous" for her to ride on Daddy's back (which made sense to us once we thought about it). So, while one parent skated, the other watched Miri walk all over and make lots of friends. We had a great time and can't wait until she is old enough to skate with her cousins. The squinty eyes in the picture are par for the course now for Miri these days. We think this is how she smiles. Check out her teeth!

Rasslin'

It's cold here in DC. The days are short. It's dark. Sometimes Chris and Miri just like to do a little rasslin' to pass the time inside. Take a look.

Thanksgiving Fun

We were so lucky to have a crowd at Thanksgiving time this year -- it sure bits a plastic mattress in a Cincinnati hospital!

Erica's parents arrived on Monday night and spent the week taking care of Miriam (thanks guys!), hanging out at our house, and sharing in some birthday fun at Miri's birthday party #2. At left, Miri plays with the toy from Grandma and Grandpa and models an oh-so-cute hat her Aunt Vida knit for her. Unfortunately, Miri apparently has learned to close her eyes when she sees the camera -- she gets that from her dad. [We think the Grandparents look great, however!]
Chris' brother Mike came down with the Myers clan -- Ann, Matthew, and Damon. The boys had a great time celebrating "Mirsy's" birthday. We think it was the frost-your-own cupcakes that won them over. Miri loved her Worcester Sharks hockey stick and hanging out with the big boys. Cousin Pearce made an appearance with his dad and "Gogi" (that's grandma for those who don't speak Pearce yet). Erica's cousins, Gabe and Ilana also stopped by to join in the fun. What a crowd!

We loved being at Grandma Margery's with the whole family for Thanksgiving #1. Miri had bells on, literally. For dinner #2 we headed to the Ross family home and got to see the whole Ross crew as well as Aunt Laura. Miri had birthday party #3 (ai, the spoiling has begun!) and was showered with more presents, while her parents indulged in more pie, more sweet potatoes, and more stuffing. We're just barely at the point where we can eat again...

One Year Old!

We can't believe we have a one year old! A year ago, we were eating Thanksgiving dinner in a Cincinnati hospital overlooking the old Gruen watch factory that Chris' great-great grandfather built. Now we have a walking, (almost) talking one year old!


Here are some highlights from her big day.

Miri enjoys some apple crisp. Sugar and butter....yum!

The happy family!

Here is Miri enjoying her birthday singing.

Trip to Philly

Last weekend we had a great, quick trip to Philly for the wedding of Erica's school friends, Anna and Tal. The wedding was beautiful, the couple was thrilled, and we had a chance to get our dancing shoes on! How was it that Mommy and Daddy were able to party the night away? Rachel and Morris! Yes, our dear friends looked after Miri and their daughter, Pardes. Pardes was still euphoric over the Phillies' World Series win; Miri is waitin' till next year for the Nats. The two had a great time playing at the park and chasing each other around the house. We all got a chance to hang out Sunday morning and feast on challah french toast. The visit was way too short, but we look forward to seeing the whole family again soon.

Election Mania

Finally!! It's over...and we won! Words can't really describe how happy we were to see the results last night. Miri got to vote in her first election (Daddy let her touch the screen for Obama/Biden), and she emerged from the polling place with her very own "I Voted" sticker. At right, she eats breakfast while waiting in line (one hour!) to vote.

We have had a busy couple of months campaigning with Miri in the swing state of Virginia. Daddy did his part by driving down there, knocking on doors, calling voters, and generally remaining calm and upbeat through the whole process. Mommy did her part by not freaking out when Miri was screaming, crying, fussy, etc. Miri did her part by being really cute (and thus helping get more voters to the polls) and allowing her schedule to be totally disrupted for a good cause. She took naps in the car and at supporters' houses, ate in the carseat, and went door to door in the rain. What a trouper! She never walked more than she did yesterday and she was tuckered out by day's end -- she couldn't stay up for the big announcement, but she awoke to a BRAND NEW COUNTRY!

Halloween

Miri had a great time at her first Trick-or-Treating. Daddy was put in charge of her costume, and Mommy thinks he did a great job (of course, he cheated a bit, thanks to a hand-me-down costume from the Koons in Alexandria — thanks Caroline & Louisa for sharing your flower!). We'll let you decide for yourselves. [Daddy doesn't look bad in his monk outfit either!]

We had a great time visiting the neighbors, but Miri mostly seemed to like seeing all the different pets in the neighborhood. She also enjoyed putting the wrapped candy in her mouth. Mommy, on the other hand, unwrapped the candy and really, really enjoyed it!