Merry Christmas!

Living in the Washington, DC area gives us some interesting and fun backdrops for Christmas lights. We went and took advantage of the lights recently on a night that was less chilly than some of the others we have had lately. We had fun. Snoopy enjoyed himself as well, and even got to say hi to a few other dogs (even a cute ten-month-old girl beagle wearing a red dress and Santa hat).

First, we went to the LDS (Mormon) Temple to wander around their grounds and look at the pretty lights. I think they are pretty, but I have been there in previous years when it was prettier because of snow and a pond that reflects the lights when there is water/ice in it.


Lacking a tripod, we played around with the camera sitting on a pedestal with the self-timer. I think it worked out ok.


Then we made the trek to downtown DC to see the National Christmas Tree. This tree, just south of the White House, is decorated with a bunch of lights each year. Then smaller trees for all 50 states and US territories are decorated with ornaments made by some group in each state and put on display around the big National Tree. It's kind of funny to see the different ornaments - usually they are decorated by some elementary school class or something, but sometimes they are done by art colleges, chambers of commerce, or something else. Personally, I like the little kids' art project ornaments more. They also have local performance groups singing, dancing, etc. on a stage in the midst of all the trees. When we were there, the group was doing some interpretive dance to Christmas music - kind of interesting...

Here's Tanja at the National Christmas Tree:


Here are some of the state trees with DC landmarks in the background:



Merry Christmas Everyone!


We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!