Christmas at Whitetail

Christmas Eve

After mass at St. Luke in Mercersburg, PA

 

The washing machine decided to stop oscillating and spinning, so we took it apart spun it around, gave it a pep talk and it started working again. We decided it was a good time to get outselves a Christmas present but the depth of the closet was a key factor in the selection of our next washer/dryer.

With the help of the Saunder's tools, we installed a lock in our attic storage space.

    

 

Christmas Day

We asked Santa for some snow this year, but it was up to the folks at Whitetail this year. They made some snow, but the slopes didn't open. 

Walter the Rescue Dog

 

Grandad and Aunt Debbie made the trip from Baltimore to Whitetail for Christmas Linner.

Grandad, Aunt Debbie, Walter, and Kids

 

Legos, Legos, Legos

Julia got a technic set for her Dash robot and an elf club house. RJ got a Lego powered Car. Sara worked hard to build the motorized Lego car and RJ took it for a test run...

Clearview Manner Decorations Winner

 Sara when all in with Christmas decorations this year. Between that, Aunt Donna's train gift, bribing the judges with candy canes, being 2 of the judges, and driving/influencing most of the other judges  were able to log a win!

Two of the judges bask in the victory

The House Looked Good at Night

Weekend in Williamsburg

Family took a trip to Williamsburg, VA to learn about Yorktown, Jamestown, and early American history.

We sort of learned about those things. But more importantly, we built a Pinecone Navy at Jamestown and ran around the maze at the Governor's Palace.

 

Running through the maze at the Governor's Mansion

 

Pinecone Navy (circles around most pinecones)

 

Illumination

Loved the auction, $1,200 for a bell?

Trains 2021-22

We setup the O gauge trains in the basement this year. This year featured 3 concentric tracks and a new Whitetail display. Julia's critters spent time riding the rails.

Some serious tracks and switching this year

Whitetail featured 4 slopes and a line of cars caused by a proposed security gate

We had a few visitors ... but no train party.

Hiking at Whitetail

During a quick getaway before ski season, we did an early morning hike. With most of the leaves on the ground, visibility was great.

Sara tries to find all 23 trails

The mountain bike trails provided a great walking path. We encountered moss, leaves, and tried out many hiking sticks. Then we found a cliff to climb up.

Hiking the blue mountain bike trail

Warren's surprise visit

While eating dinner one night, the doorbell rang ... it was the Warrens!

Mr. Jim and Mrs. Laura make a surprise visit!

Veterans' Day 2021

Veterans' Day Service

The fourth grade class lead the St. Agnes service in honor of Veterans' Day. RJ got to do the prayers of the faithful.

4th Grade Photo

Veterans' Day Holiday

Sara took the kids to Arlington National Cemetery for Veterans' Day. After finding relatives grave sites, watching a parade, and some photo opportunities they headed down to the Air and Space Museum. A short expedition turned into a 5-6 hour trek.

Veterans' Day at Arlington National Cemetary

Flyover in DC (Doug got to see them turn around in McLean)