'ello Gov'nor!

We had the opportunity to take a tour of the Governor's Mansion in Annapolis the other day. We had our picture taken with the Governor and the First Lady of Maryland, eat some cookies, drink some cider, and get a 2007 ornament as a parting gift. While we didn't vote for the Governor and don't like him (he's raising our sales tax 1% in 2008), it was still a neat experience to tour the mansion - very beautiful and full of history.

Lacey's first (early) Christmas

We are flying to Chicago on Friday to spend Christmas with Kerry's family, so we celebrated Christmas with Dave's side early and Lacey opened her first gift. She obviously doesn't quite know what a "present" is, but she loves all the paper and ribbons!

Also, we took her to see Santa last week. I heard most kids cry when you put them on Santa's lap. Lacey didn't cry, although that didn't really surprise me since she quite easily goes to pretty much anyone (which may be a good thing or a bad thing!) However, she was so fascinated with his beard and face, that we couldn't get her to look at the camera - oh well!

Festival of Lights!

So, turns out, Dave has a few connections! His BYU roommate's mom is the Director of International Relations for the Church. As part of this position, she puts together the DC Temple's Annual Festival of Lights. The host of the Festival is JW Marriott (pictured speaking at the podium) and the two honored guests this year were Elder Boyd K. Packer and Elder Dallin H. Oaks (pictured). It was SO neat! The guest list is limited to mostly Ambassadors and Dignitaries (and to a few of us "nobodies" who happen to have a connection!). Anyway, you are greeted upon arrival (at the DC Temple Visitors Center) and then, after getting some food that they have set up, you can wander around looking at the displays, such as nativities from around the world or various themed Christmas trees. Or, if you wish, you can just mingle with Mr. Marriott, Elders Packer or Oaks or the ambassadors. Very fun! Then, after a Christmas concert, featuring a Tony Award winning singer (Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller) and hearing from the three above-mentioned men, they do a countdown and turn on all the lights outside. We had a wonderful evening!