Prima Ballerina

McCall has started dance classes. 

She has been so excited to be a ballerina. Grandma Gulbranson bought her her first leotard for her birthday and she has been anxious to wear it!

Let's hope she is more graceful than her mother who was persuaded, gently, to pursue t-ball or soccer in lieu of being a ballerina. Turns out, it was good advice for me. 

Botanical Gardens

We had been told by many that the Botanical Gardens in Washington D.C. are a must see during the holiday season. I looked forward to it until we could finally get there. 

It wasn't disappointing. Each year is a different theme. 

This year historic and iconic buildings throughout DC and the rest of America were featured. Each was made completely out of organic plants. It was absolutely amazing, what talent. The kids were in awe with the model trains weaving in and out of the displays. They loved seeing all of the buildings and monuments that we have been seeing all over DC represented.

 The Capitol

 Monticello

 Smithsonian Castle

 The White House

Christmas Day 2011

Christmas morning came, we waited and waited and waited, until I could wait no longer. 

I figured the kids would be up nice and early and I wanted to see their faces when they saw the tree and presents and stockings. So Ryan and I wrapped the kids door so there would be no sneaking out.

But by 7:30 when they were still sleeping we thought we had better wake them up. With 9:00 church and needing breakfast before hand we were running out of time. 

The kids raced down stairs and opened up their stockings before having breakfast and heading to church. 

It was one of the nicest Christmas mornings we have ever had. 

Christmas Eve PJ's

Christmas Eve tradition - pajama's.

This is probably my favorite tradition from my childhood, I don't know why, but I loved coming home from Grandma's house after stuffing ourselves on a grand Christmas dinner to find warm Christmas pajama's to put on. Maybe because it felt like we were kicking off the festivities just a little early, but to this day, I love this tradition. 

 We also opened gifts from each other on Christmas Eve. The kids were so excited to get the gift exchange going. It was quite fun to go shopping with them as they thoughtfully picked out presents that they really felt the other would like. I love this time of year!

 Santa dropped off his yearly letter, largely ignored by most of the children until the chaos and excitement has died down slightly. 

Awaiting the children. 

Mr. & Mrs. Gulbranson Part 2

So after the wedding ceremony we headed over to the reception and had a good old time. 

This is my ideal type of get together, good food, good friends and plenty of time for visiting. 

So fun to see family and friends we haven't seen in such a long time. 

My family had not seen McCall since she was 1 - she is now 3 and such a big girl.

Connor loved playing with his cousins and being silly, asking girls to dance. 

Just a grand old time!

Mr. & Mrs. Gulbranson

I used to think I was one of a kind. 

Turns out, when your little brother marries a girl with your name, 

you are no longer the only Kara Gulbranson.

What are the chances? 

But I wouldn't have it any other way, the entire day I felt special as everyone spoke kindly of Kara and how beautiful she was and all her redeeming qualities. I just imagined they were speaking of me. 

Loved it.

Beautiful day, beautiful couple. 

Welcome to the family Kara (#2)!