On the List

Not that it's the first time, but trust me when I say that the pictures that follow are a lot more interesting (though the quality is debatable) than anything I could say to describe them so for now, my words will be few (but don't expect that to last... I have, contrary to what's shown up around here, been in the kitchen with some Christmas cookies, after all).

So while I have every confidence that you could have pieced this together on your own at this point, I'll go ahead and spell it out for you... we recently took a great little tour of the beautifully (but modestly) decorated White House (yes, the White House).

The super tight security at the entrance was expected but an unforeseen delay and rumored snafu with the list (thanks, Salahis!) almost had the Secret Service turning us away. Just mere moments later (fully cleared and confirmed on multiple lists), we were en route to viewing a number of beautiful rooms, sharing the apparent same hallway that the infamous crashers used.

Everything about the White House was festive - from the multiple trees and decorations to the (appropriately) white chocolate-covered gingerbread White House. Of course, just outside of the walls of the hallowed building stood the National Christmas tree (a new version of the same one we'd seen last year), and a decked out street leading to the Capitol.

The mix of patriotism and Christmas cheer was just what the doctor ordered during busy holiday season. My favorite part of the tour was seeing all of the different Christmas cards that our Presidents have sent out over the years... now if I could only get on that list.