Meeting Sanny Claus in Mt. Pleasant Plaza

A Latke Love

When our dear friends Ben and Lauren invited us over for a Latke Party, we couldn't resist! Friends AND fried food?? Count us in! Above, Ben realizes that the degree of difficulty involved in making sweet potato latkes is significantly increased once toddlers are involved.

It was a well-run operation I must say, and the latkes turned out dee-lish.

After dinner, Ben entertained the children (and blew the adults' minds) with the magic of the iPhone.

Loretta plays the Ocarina.

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

We have a tradition now of going out to fell our very own Christmas tree.

The hunt is on for the perfect tree...

This looks like a good specimen.

The tree has no chance against such a nimble team.

Timbaaah!!

Voila! Instant Christmas memories! (and floor needles)

Middle-Aged Mama!

In November, I turned the big 4-0! Luckily, it passed with more frolic than panic.

At home, everyone spoiled me rotten and made a big fuss over me.

Then I got to spend the weekend with my sibs in the Big Apple. It was one of the most fun weekends of my whole life.

We really crammed a lot of fun into three days, but I think Patricia's Facebook status update captured it best.

singleladiesbrasthaiUCBrumbroadwayfossepianobarsistertalk.

Stoopendous Stoop Sale Why yes, we did have a stoop sale in mid-November...what's your point? My neighbor Royce and I hauled all our junk, er, treasures outside on a cold Saturday morning. We cranked the Beastie Boys, honed our haggling skills, and then counted our loot!

Grandma (and Thanksgiving) Come To DC!

Happily, Grandma came to visit the many Pfeiffers now living in Washington, DC. Above she was showing us some beautiful photos from her recent trip to Russia.

Although the weather was brisk, we managed to get out for a hike in Rock Creek Park. Uncle Kurt gives young Henry a ride.

Here's Grandma climbing up a hill and working up an appetite for our big Thanksgiving dinner.

Separated At Birth?

Loretta Lou's Do

Some people (like Glenda) REALLY know how to fix Loretta's hair...

Others improvise...

Learning The ABC's With Papa

Sightseeing In DC After The Obama Victory

Well, we had to head to the Lincoln Memorial after the election. It just felt right. Todd and Henry enjoying some PB&J's while Loretta naps on the ground behind them.

On the way home we stopped by the Navy Memorial. I hope kissing random sailors doesn't become a habit with Loretta.

Post-Obama Glow

And there was much rejoicing...

Obama won 93% of the vote in Washington DC, so there was literally singing and dancing in the streets of my neighborhood and the rest of our town. Henry and I came home at around midnight from an election party and young people were walking arm and arm and joyously singing God Bless America in the streets. Really. I was glad Henry got a chance to see that. Joan Baez was seen dancing in her bathrobe in front of the White House. (as were scores of others) (but not in their bathrobes)

Happy days are here again...

Camping In The Shenandoahs

"Yay! We're going camping with the Bissells!!"

Les and Todd enjoying one of the best aspects of camping. Beers at 10am.

Henry helping Papa put up the tent.

Todd keeping away the bears with his FIERCE mustache.

Henry and Loretta share a tender moment right before a dazzling WWF takedown. I'll leave it up to you to guess who took down whom.

Keeping warm, and waiting for the 'smores.

There were many leaf piles that needed jumping in, and the kids didn't miss one.

Les and Lindy Bissell. Still newlyweds after several years of marriage.

The Barbers Come To Visit On the prettiest autumn day you can think of, Todd's Aunt Ann and Uncle John Barber came to visit from upstate New York. The kids delighted in their company as did we.