A Very Merry Weekend!

Hello and Happy Monday!

How you had a good weekend.  We sure did – and a jam-packed one at that. 🙂

On Friday night, what seems to be a tradition in the making (since we also did this last year), my little family and I had dinner with another sweet little family – my former work colleague Kathryn, her husband Matt, and their daughter Addie – who is Ava’s age, before heading to ZooLights in D.C.!

We all enjoyed looking at all the lights on display at the zoo and looking at a few animal exhibitions. It had snowed for a little while during the day, so the grounds had a soft layering of snow, making our experience even more holiday and wintery wonderful.

It was so fun to see how much Ava and Addie had changed since the last time we were here (much, much, much more mobile. And more interested in the animals this time around!)

ZooLights happens nightly, 5-9pm, now through January 1st.

On Saturday morning, we had a preschool visit for Ms. Ava (we are planning on sending her to preschool when she turns 3 next May), before heading to the newly revamped (and glamorous) DC Wharf! Their inaugural Nog Fest was happening on the District Pier, so it was definitely something I wanted to check out, being a huge fan of egg nog, D.C. and the holiday season. Thankfully the weather was beautiful – clear skies and 50 degree weather.

It was such a fun event. In addition to an assortment of adult beverages available for purchase (egg nog – duh, mulled wine, holidays beers, and hot chocolate) + non-alcoholic drinks, there were tons of activities for kids to do. Activities included decorating ornaments, bowling, croquet, riding a reindeer, and a fantastic band to dance and sing with, White Ford Bronco.

There was an awesome fire pit with lots of comfy chairs surrounding it for people to enjoy all day and all night.

Living her best life.

Ava’s friend Will and his parents joined us at Nog Fest. Their favorite part of the whole day? The Band. (As you may have seen on IG Stories).

After a few hours enjoying the sun and tunes, we had to depart Nog Fest as we had a Hanukkah party to attend that evening! Tommy’s mentor (and friend), Marie had invited us to her little soirée and we were so excited to go. But not before dipping into Hank’s Oyster Bar for a quick snack at the bar to tie us all over!

The yummy spread.

In addition to a fantastic selection of food (sweet & savory) and drinks, there were games (Jewish Bingo and Dreidel) to play for prizes and lots of gifts given away to all attendees throughout the night. It was such an enjoyable intimate party.

Dreidel.

Family portrait.

Ava Joan being introduced to the wonderful world of candy canes.

Our Sunday began with Ava’s longstanding Daddy and Me swim lesson in the morning. While she and daddy were occupied, I took advantage of some “alone time” by tidying up the house, grocery shopping, and preparing some gifts for a friend visit we were doing later in the evening.

Once they got back home, we spent our first few hours of the weekend at home, relaxing, cooking, and hanging out before Ava’s nap.

Once she was awake, we were on the go again! This time, we were heading to our good friend’s house, Bryd and Patty and their daughter Bella’s house (who is turning 4 in January). We spent the next few hours exchanging gifts, playing to our hearts content (the girls), chatting and catching up (the adults), and eating dinner (everyone). We squeezed some football in too. 🙂

And now it’s Monday. Whew!

Hope you all have a great one.