Christmas in Virginia

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! We hope you had a blessed holiday. Here are some pics from our quiet Christmas in Virginia.

Gianni helps Mommy decorate the Christmas tree by ripping the newly placed ornaments off of the tree. Thanks buddy!

Sophia also gives Mommy a hand, however she understands the process a little better than her brother.

Sophia and Gianni tear into their firsts presents...which could have been their only presents and they would have been happy.

Sophia poses with all of her new dollies: Sophia II (the 3 ft barbie that is going to give me a heart attack in the middle of the night), Dora and puppy, and Fufi (yes, that is the name Sophia gave her).

Gianni and Sophia assemble Gianni's improved train track on the diningroom table. I guess it is good we will not be eating dinner there.

I believe Sophia is trying to argue a point with Gianni...good luck with that.

Sophia and Gianni pose in front of the tree on Christmas day.

Sophia takes a picture of Mommy and Daddy (we are praying she does not cut our heads off...again).

Next, we head over to the Burtons for Christmas dinner!

Danete prepares a lovely turkey dinner, complete with party poppers! (Is that what they are called?)

Aaron, Sophia and Gianni play all day long.

Gianni is ready for his extreme close up. He does appear to be up to no good.

Sophia and Gianni stop running around for a quick pic.

And now it is the day after Christmas, John's birthday (though the festivities needed to be put on-hold because of the snow storm).

Sophia gets bundled up in her new coat and hat to play out in the snow.

Daddy and Sophia prepare to brave the cold weather.

The two of them proudly display their snowwoman. As an aside, is it supposed to snow this much in Virginia?

Sophia warms up with a cup of hot cocoa!

Army/Navy Game

John made a trip up to Philadelphia hoping to see Navy beat Army for the 9th year in a row. To help him in this endeavor, John enlisted the help of his old friend Jimmy.

While in Philly, John and Jimmy met up with Luis and Jeff. Apparently Jimmy did not realize that he was at a Navy game and not an Ohio State game.

John looks like a rock star with his backstage pass.

It appears to be very chilly. Who would have guessed it, chilly in Philly in December??? At least John brought a jacket this year.

First the Army Alma Mater is sung.

Now Navy Blue and Gold. BEAT ARMY!

John and Jimmy make it out of the city just before the big storm hits, thanks to Jimmy monitoring the Weather Channel 24/7!

Trip to Annapolis

It was time to finally make a Navy home game. So we packed up the car and headed to Annapolis for the weekend.


The kids pose next to Tecumseh.



Sophia and Gianni are ready to cheer Navy on!

Sophia takes this picture in front of Bancroft Hall.

Gianni, Sophia, and Daddy are ready to ring the "Beat Army" bell.

On the steps of Bancroft Hall.

Gianni checks into the business end of a cannon as we stroll around the yard.

Its almost game-time.

Sophia shows off her new "cheer lady" bear.

It wouldn't be a tailgate without corn-hole. Cuddy and Brenda are engaged in a tight match. Gianni was brought in for technical support.

We settle into our "seats" at the game.

The midshipmen march on the field.

Carlos, Sarah, and Eli join us for the game.

The Botanical Garden Family Pictures

The Spencers made their annual trek to find the perfect spot for the Christmas card photo. In the following post, you will see how simple it is to get just one picture for the card (please note the sarcasm)! Don't worry, the winning photo is not revealed here.



Our first problem...Gianni falls asleep in the car on the way to the Botanical Garden.




Here, we take a picture in the beautiful rose garden. Gianni says cheese, smiles but refuses to look at the camera. I guess two out of three aint bad.


What are we missing in this picture (hint: one poops his pants and one thinks she is an actual princess).

Ok, this is just Mommy and Sophia taking a break.

Sophia appears to not approve of this picture location...

...but is always ready to pose in front of a fountain.

This one almost made it...almost!

Sophia really does love fountains.

Gianni has joined Sophia in her fountain-hopping.

Happy to finally be finished!

Gianni and Daddy relax as the work for the day is done!

Halloween 2010

It's spooky time at the Spencer home! Halloween was full of tricks and treats...and fun with lots of friends.


Witch cat (Sophia) and Count Dracula (Gianni) are ready to grab their bags and set out on their candy-collecting adventure.


Sophia and Connor take a break on the curb.


Gianni and Alexander begin sampling their treats before their work is done.



It appears to be a winning evening for everyone.



The Molina kids and the Spencer kids hold still (just barely) for a quick picture.



"I am not sharing any of my popcorn!"



The fun just keeps coming.



Ryan, Logan, and Carter salute and are ready for service.


Matt and Jessica win the costume contest!


Scott reunites with his mini-me.


The kids joined Morgan to help her celebrate her 5th birthday...in costume.



Gianni helps Morgan open her presents while Sophia inventories them.


Count Dracula takes a moment of thoughtful reflection.



"Do I have something on my nose?"


We managed to fit in a bit more Halloween fun by attending the Harvest Festival with the Burtons.


Aaron, Sophia and Gianni attempt their first sack race.




Gianni feels that the finish line is wherever he is standing.




There is always time for corn-hole.







And finally, the law catches up with Gianni for all his toddler transgressions.