Have a Holley, Jolly Christmas

Each year we host our annual Christmas open house, which we like to call our "Holley, Jolly Christmas" party.  The event includes food, friends, and caroling.  I (Amanda) began hosting this party in 2004, with different roommates along the way and then, in more recent years, with Tyler.  With Madelyn's arrival, we weren't sure if we could pull off a party this season, but we decided it was too good of a tradition to pass up.  So, here are a few shots from this weekend's get-together.

The menu included bacon-wrapped apricots, tortellini skewers, cocktail meatballs,
baked brie, veggies and hummus,  and lots of cookies

Enjoying a little rest before the party began

Some of the youngest carolers to attend

For your listening pleasure, a clip of our caroling time

Daddy time

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than reading the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated with Daddy?

Don we now our gay apparel...

Friday night Madelyn attended her first Christmas party.  Of course, she couldn't leave the house without being decked out in some festive threads.  Thanks to Nanny and Papa for providing the excellent outfit!

Holiday Stroll

Every December, Charles Street, a historic thoroughfare in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, hosts a Holiday Stroll.  The street closes down, shops and businesses stay open late and serve holiday treats, and strollers enjoy the merriment of the season.  We met a good friend and took in the festivities this past week. It was a chilly evening, but we had a great time being out and about in the city.

Madelyn's first ride on the T

Gentlemen in top hats and tails gave rides in their horse-drawn carriages

A strolling brass band

A slightly humiliated dog

Smiles

 

 

O Tannenbaum

The Sunday after Thanksgiving we took our annual trip to Indian Rock Farm in Foxborough to choose the perfect Christmas tree.  It was a beautiful day, and we found a beautiful tree to take home. Madelyn slept through most of the outing, but she now enjoys looking at the twinkling lights and ornaments.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Visiting with Family

 

 

 

Madelyn's Baptism

On Sunday, November 20, Madelyn was baptized at Christ the King Presbyterian Church by Rev. Rick Downs.  Both sets of her grandparents and her Uncle Tyler were in attendance.  It was a joyous and moving occasion, as we heard God's promises for us and for Madelyn and witnessed our friends and family vow to help us in raising our little girl in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  We hope for the day when she will profess her own faith.

Singing "Jesus Loves You"

One Month

Bath time

Yesterday we gave Madelyn her first real bath.  She seemed a little skeptical at first, but ended up looking quite content in the warm water.

All clean!

Day Trip

Last week, we experienced a surprisingly warm, 65-degree November day in New England, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and took a day trip to Portsmouth, NH.  It was our first extended outing with Miss Madelyn, and she did a great job.  She spent most of the afternoon in the stroller in this position...






Portsmouth was settled in 1623 near the mouth of the Piscataqua river, which flows along the border between New Hampshire and Maine.  The port city is considered the third oldest city in the United States.  It is a quaint, lovely juxtaposition of historical sites and modern restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

After having lunch at the Portsmouth Brewery, we took a leisurely stroll through Strawbery Banke, an outdoor history museum that traces four decades of life in Portsmouth.

 
We had a great time enjoying the warm, fresh air and some time together as a family.