On the second, third, and fourth days of Christmas ...

Day 1 - we did go to the temple visitor's center - the lights are EVERYWHERE outside. It's lit up more than the temple itself. Inside the VC are lots of trees that are just gorgeous. There is also a display with tons of Nativity sets from all different countries - they're loaned by the embassies. It's really awesome.

Day 2 - we went to the White House to see the trees there - a big tall one in the middle with model trains all around it. Two tracks go around right at the base of the tree. There are a number of little town sets all around the tree with their own trains, and there's a really long track surrounding it all with another train. Dad would have loved it. (And there's a huge Christmas train set in Union Station too.) All around the area are trees for each state and territory with ornaments sent from each state. Oregon's were sent by the Girl Scouts in Salem. There's also a nativity scene, and a firepit with the National Yule Log. National this, national that ... I just like that there's a place to thaw out when you're out in the freezing cold. Adam's present was a Metro fare card that's like a credit card so he doesn't have to keep using the paper fare cards.

Day 3 - last night - we watched White Christmas. I don't think I'd ever seen it all the way through. When I was a kid, I thought it was cheezy and dumb ... it is cheezy, but it's also really funny, especially the girl's backhanded proposal to Danny Kaye. Bing Crosby (what the heck kind of name is BING?) is kinda growing on me. Adam's present was the DVD to add to our rapidly growing collection.

Day 4 - tonight, we're baking sugar cookies ... and FUDGE if Mom ever puts the recipe in the cookbook or emails it! The sugar cookies will probably keep us busy for tonight. I've been looking for Christmas cookie cutters but no luck. We do have some Christmas shapes from the cookie making set Tawnia got for me last year, so we'll be fine with what we have.

As for the Captain/Major Chaos debate ... if we change the title at all, I think it should be either Major or General, because those are actual phrases: the hurricanes created major chaos in Florida, or our lives are in general chaos. That's what makes it even more hilarious to me. But poo on getting wound up for a debate at Christmas. It's CHRISTMAS, for crying out loud. What's everyone else doing to celebrate? It's been all different the last couple of years, with everyone scattered all over the place, so you actually have to SAY what you're doing for Christmas.