Sunday, December 9, 2007

National Christmas Tree Lighting

This past Thursday (December 6) was one of those great events you see on TV and always wish you could see in person. Well now that we are living in the Nation's Capital and taking time as a family to be part of all of the wonderful events that go on around here. The National Tree Lighting Ceremony began in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge. Thursday night we took friends and family to join the President and his family as the President lighted the National Christmas Tree. Let me tell you it was COLD! VERY VERY VERY COLD! Just take a look at how we were all dressed...

We arrived around 3:30 in the afternoon and with the sun shining it was comfortable and everyone was smiling. As the sun set the temperature dropped below freezing and with snow on the ground I think all of us lost feeling in our toes. The event is so much more than just pushing a button and turning on a light. Carolers from Washington's National Cathedral and the St. Alban's Christmas Choir opened the annual tree lighting ceremony. Just want to say thank you to Chris and Lora for joining us this year. The singing and celebration lasted about 90 minutes.


The boys and I sang, clapped, and rocked back and forth to the Carols. I am not sure how much was for the purposes of having fun and how much was directed at keeping warm :-) While there, I reflected on just how blessed we as a family and as a nation truly are. I was overcome with happiness and joy for all the many blessings we have had in 2007.


This is definitively a new annual family event!
~David

5 comments:

Chris Jarrell said...

Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of the family for the evening. We had an awesome time hanging with you all. Simply loved it. -Chris

Anonymous said...

You & Lora are wonderful friends and we feel blessed and highly favored that God has allowed our paths to cross. Thanks for all you do, for your openness and friendship, and for pursuing that which you have been called to. ~D&S

Elaine VanDRiver said...

Hi Sharon--miss you immensely! SSP isn't the same without you. So awesome you and David are blogging! Can't wait to hear of your adventures and success in DC.

Much luv-
Elaine

The Cobb's said...

Hi:
I was so surprised to receive your Christmas card today. It brought a huge smile to my face. Congratulations on baby Aybella. We had no idea you guys were pregnant. I'm so jealous of your new address. I have tried for a year to get picked up for a new job there and have had zero luck. I'm trying with every agency, not just Army. Keith is fine. The kids are fine and growing. Samantha is 14, Megan 12, & Lance 9. Samantha had surgery two weeks ago and has been struggling with the recovery. She's back in the hospital tonight as I write this. Looks like she might have an infection. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
Keith, Ida & Kids

Jess said...

OMGosh, I didn't realize Sybella was at the Tree Lighting with you guys! What a cute little bundle in her coat and hat :)