The Christmas Walk - and my Birthday

Weeeelll this post is only about two weeks late, so...let's just call it fashionable, mmmkay?

In keeping with family tradition, my family once again made the trek to Alexandria for the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk.  This is easily one of my favorite days of the year (and not just because it often falls on my birthday!).

I love getting everyone together and loading up with coffee, the stress of trying to find parking all together, and watching my man saunter around in his kilt.  What?  I like a nice kilt.

The parade was great this year - and one of the coolest things was that a bagpipe band stopped right in front of us and played Happy Birthday to their leader.  I like to think they were playing it for me too!

We usually have a group of about 14 or so - so the idea of finding somewhere to eat in the city is a little outlandish.  This year we drove across the river to National Harbor, and it was wonderful! We ate a pub/restaurant, and then we walked around the Harbor.

 How adorable is that little tugboat?  I loved her.

The harbor has a big tree that the kids were loving, and there was also this large silver man buried in the sand.  Jack was totally freaked out...

And God?  He did not disappoint with the sunset.

And with that?  We were ready to pile into our cars and head home.

Right as we were about to do just that, my mom pulled out a box of cupcakes, and a candle, and my sweet precious family sang Happy Birthday to me right there in the parking garage.

It was weird, and kind of embarrassing, and I loved every second of it.  And now?  I am 28 - I have high hopes for this year!

Past years at the parade can be found here : 2008, 2009 - we were snowed in, 2010, 2011