Angela's Family

Matt's Birthday Dinner

2010-02-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

We were supposed to fly to Seattle to spend the long weekend with Matt's family, but our flights were cancelled and we could not get any other flights for two days due to the blizzards in our area. We were diasppointed to miss our trip, but made it up to Matt by taking him to Melting Pot for fondue. This was the first time in a week we were able to get out, and so we were celebrating in style. The road were finally passable today!We started with spinach artichoke cheese fondue, then for a main course had shrimp, chicken and filet mignon fondue, and then finished off with a flaming turtle chocolate fondue. It was fabulous! The kids were very lucky to go, as we don't usually take them to places this expensive.

Double Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-12T07:14:00.001-08:00

This has been the snowiest winter on record in the Washington D.C. / Baltimore area. We had two blizzards in one week, with 38 inches of snow on February 5/6 and another 12 or more inches on Feb 9/10.

View from the garage after the first storm - this is my new Rav 4 (which would have been in the garage, except that we still had furniture and boxes in there from moving out to get new cartpet in the house).

View of the front door (please don't open it yet).

View from inside the front door.

Kirsten the snow princess.

The snow on the deck is almost as tall as Dalton.

"Let's make the most of this snow day!"

Digging out...

500 shovel fulls down, 300 or more to go...

The kids build a snow castle in the front yard.

The castle is well protected. Watch out for flying snowballs!

Kirsten as an Ancestor

2010-02-08T07:31:00.001-08:00

The lead role in Mulan was double cast and when Kirsten was not playing Mulan she
played the lead ancestor watching over the Fa family.

Up in the clouds looking down on Mulan.

Celebrating Mulan's success at saving China.

For some reason Kirsten's mom thought it was great to be an ancestor.

Kirsten as Mulan

2010-02-08T07:07:00.001-08:00

Kirsten played the lead role in her middle school production of "Mulan."

Trying to learn the admonitions.

Disappointing her father. Would she ever bring her family honor?

In need of a makeover before she sees the matchmaker.

Nervously waiting with the other maidens to see the matchmaker.

"When will my reflection show who I am inside?"

Her father is proud of her.

Disguised as a soldier to serve in her father's place.

Present. Ready for duty.

Training in the army camp.

Learning to "Be a Man"

Asking if they can use their brains and not just their brawn.

Dressing the soldiers up as girls to get them in the Emperor's palace.

"My baby is all grown up and saving China" - Mushu

Mulan cast

2010-02-07T18:59:00.001-08:00

White Christmas

2009-12-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Matt and Dalton took advantage of the "White Christmas" and spent the afternoon outside.

They began with a friendly snowball fight.

Then decided to build a snow fort for protection.

Snow fort from the inside with ammunition ready.

Time for sledding.

"Wheee"

I don't want to go in yet. Let's build a snowman.

After enjoying much of the afternoon outside the boys came in to get dressed up. We went to the church for the baptism of a friend who was born on Christmas Day. He wanted to be baptized on his birthday. This was a nice reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. It was an opportunity for us to witness someone literally "Coming unto Christ," and reminding the rest of us to do the same.

Christmas Day

2009-12-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

The kids woke up at 7:30 to see what Santa had brought them. I am not sure why they waited so long - I always remember getting up at about 5am.

They both thought that Santa was good to them.

We had a relaxing morning. After checking out the stockings we enjoyed the traditional breakfast of crepes and then opened gifts. We stopped in the middle to play games and enjoy our time together.

"Look what was in my stocking"

Opening gifts together. They helped each other open gifts and play with the games and toys.

Playing on Dalton's new educational "laptop."

"Just what I always wanted!!"

Christmas was good for the McGhie family this year.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T19:18:00.001-08:00

We began our Christmas Eve celebration by visiting Ray and Cheri Galas, a couple from our church. We had a wonderful visit and were able to read the Christmas Story from Luke 2 and play games with them. It was a very special day for Ray as he has Alzheimer's and this was his first "social event" in months.

Christmas Eve has always been a time for a family game night, I am just not sure why we let the kids pick the games. Somehow we ended up with Twister and Monopoly instead of my choice of Settlers of Catan. Oh well, the kids had fun.

Matt, Kirsten and Dalton were better at it than I was.

Dalton was even a pretty good photographer.

Christmas Story Time

It is a tradition to open one present on Christmas Eve. Surprise! We all got new pajamas!

Even though Kirsten is 13, she is not too proud to match her mother.

Preschool Christmas Program

2009-12-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

Dalton's preschool class put on a Christmas program for the parents. They acted out the nativity story and Dalton played one of the three Kings.

The children sang several Christmas songs including "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Away in a Manger," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." They each made their own antleers by tracing their hands. Dalton was a very good singer.

The children told us about the Christmas symbols and we all enjoyed a lunch together. The class had even made a birthday cake for Jesus to serve for dessert. There are about 14 kids in Dalton's class.

Snow Storm December 2009

2009-12-26T06:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 19th we had a snow storm that dropped over two feet of powdery snow. This was a record for the highest amount of snow in the Washington D.C. area in December. The kids love to play in it, and even helped Matt shovel the driveway. We enjoy our family snow days where we cancel all plans and stay home and play together.

Kirsten was excited when they cancelled school on Monday, but was not as excited when they cancelled three days and school and added them on in June. Now summer break will not begin until June 21st!

Enjoying the Fall Leaves

2009-12-01T10:41:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-11T14:33:00.001-08:00

This year for Halloween the kids decided to wear a different costume for each event. They had fun at the "Trunk or Treat" at church, and then Trick or Treating in the neighborhood with friends.

Kirsten and Dalton on Halloween night.

Dalton was a pirate and went Trick or Treating with his friends Calvin, Jared and Samuel.

Kirsten, Marissa, Samara, and Kendra at the church Halloween Party.

Thanksgiving Joy School

2008-11-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

Today the Joy School Thanksgiving party was at our house. We had a great time learning about the pilgrims and their Indian friends. We read stories, made a list of everything they are thankful for, sang songs, and made corn bread and candy turkeys. The boys made Indian hats and sang "Ten Little Indians" for this video (sorry it is so bright).

Vacation to New York City

2008-08-12T19:57:00.001-07:00

We took a family vacation to New York City this week. We had a great time watching Broadway numbers in Bryant Park, visiting Times Square and spending a day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

New York City skyline

Dalton wants to eat the jelly bellies at the NBC studios.

Dalton likes the Statue of Liberty.

Enjoying the ferry ride.

Life size Candyland game at Toys R Us in Times Square.

Lollipop anyone?

Did you hear that dinosaur roar?

Riding in the Scooby Doo car on the giant ferris wheel in Toys R Us.

Riding the carousel at Bryant Park in NYC.

Dalton's 3rd Birthday

2008-08-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

Dalton was very excited to turn 3 years old. He is so tall that most people assumed that he was at least three already. He really liked the balloons and cupcakes.

Dalton had a Disney Cars birthday party with his friends Devin, Evan and Keenan. Some of his other good friends were on vacation. They played a Cars matching game and bingo before opening presents and playing with the rip cars - Mater and Lightening McQueen.

Dalton had a great time with his friends!

Dancing with the Stars workout

2008-04-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

This morning I was doing my exercise to the Dancing with the Stars workout video. I didn't get it done before Kirsten went to school, so Dalton was in the room with me. He resisted my invitations for him to join in, so he was in the corner playing cars. At one point while I was doing the samba the instructor said "you can use your arms if you want to look more sexy." A little voice from the corner shouted "Don't do sexy." I don't even think he knows what it means, but it was sure funny.

Busy life - little blogging

2008-04-21T14:26:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am sorry that I have not been posting to my blog much this year. I have been really busy. I will make a quick list to let you know what I have been doing:

January

Completing my American Genealogy Course!!! They sent me a certificate to hang on my wall, but I don't like the brown and orange color scheme.
Costuming for Kirsten's middle school drama club production of "Oklahoma"
Ordering and returning films for the local Family History Center (new calling - ongoing responsibililty)

February (out of town for much of the month)

Taking a family vacation to Disneyworld
Preparing handouts for four family history classes (to be presented at the Washington D.C. Family History Conference in April)
Spending two weeks in Utah for my sister's wedding and visiting family

March

Helping Kirsten with long term projects
Preparing a proposal to speak at the National Genealogical Society conference in 2009 (which is a longshot to get accepted, but a big step for me)
Teaching Dalton his numbers
Preparing powerpoint presentations for four family history classes
Playing with my family for spring break
Assisting with the organization of an online professional genealogy study group
Preparing for and presenting the first of two multi-stake Family History Consultant Training sessions

April

Completing business records and filing taxes
Presenting four family history classes at the Washington D.C. Family History Conference
Preparing for and presenting the second of two multi-stake Family History Consultant Training sessions
Teaching Dalton to throw and catch a ball (ongoing)

Okay, so making my list I realize that a great portion of my time (when I am not playing with my kids) is spent on family history. That is because it is my hobby, my calling and my profession. I love it! Let me know if you ever need help with yours.

Tangled hair

2008-04-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dalton and I were eating lunch together. After some small talk he looked over at me and said "Your hair is tangled." What was I to say? I could only laugh at his observation.

Playing with the First Presidency

2008-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today Dalton was playing with some 5 inch figures of different occupational characters. After he told me what each one was, i.e. doctor, fire fighter, police officer, etc., I came over to the computer to check my email. I was not really paying close attention to him until I heard "President Eyring." Then I listened as he lined up the figures and said, "President Monson" and then "President Hinckley." I was really touched that he thought of these names for his toys.

Before General Conference we reviewed who was in the First Presidency. When I asked Dalton who our new prophet was he said "President Monson. President Hinckley died." Dalton is only two, but he has a great memory and a love for church leaders.

Amy and Rick join us in Florida

2008-03-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Kirsten and Dalton had a very pleasant surprise when they got to Florida - Aunt Amy and her friend Rick were there to join us for our Disneyworld vacation! The kids loved both Amy and Rick. We had a great time together.

Kirsten was glad to have more people to go on rides with her.

Dalton was happy to see Aunt Amy

It was easy to say goodbye to Amy because we had such a fun time, and we were going to see her again in ten days at Lisa's wedding.

Rick was tall enough to get Dalton in a picture with Rocket (from Little Einsteins).

Kirsten and Rick going on the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger ride.

Rick scored the most points in our group.

Kirsten, Amy and Dalton in front of the Lake at Epcot.

Disneyworld

2008-03-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous time at Disneyworld February 8-12th. We took a family trip down to Florida and spent one day at each of the Disneyworld parks. We enjoyed the warm weather and a break away from school and work. Dalton did not like to get his picture with the characters as much as Kirsten did at this age (of course, her pictures were with all the princesses), but he did like to ride the rides. His favorites were Dumbo and Pirates of the Carribean. Kirsten also liked the rides and roller coasters, especially if she had to go twice - once with each parent while the other waited with Dalton.

McGhies at the Sorcerer's Hat at Disney Hollywood Studios.
Taking the corner too fast.

Spinning in the teacups.

Does Dalton look happy to be at Disneyworld? He calls it "his" castle.

Both kids got to drive on the speedway.

Family picture with the Mike and Sully from Monster's Inc.

Dalton riding on the carosel. This may be the happiest place on earth.

Christmas at the McGhies

2007-12-26T16:38:00.001-08:00

We wanted to post some photos of our Christmas at home this year. We had a wonderful holiday together, but did miss our extended family.

We started our Christmas Eve with a traditional fondue dinner and Matt reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2. The kids "acted out" the story using the Little People Nativity set, then the kids had a sleepover in Kirsten's room.

Santa brought drumsets to both Kirsten and Dalton this year (and gave Angela a set of headphones). Kirsten has been playing percussion for three years and is really excited to have a full set to practice on.

We had a slow, relaxed Christmas morning. The kids were able to play with and enjoy each item that they opened. I don't have a photo, but Angela finally gave Matt he Bose Wave Music System he has wanted for five years. Matt got Angela a Cricut cutting system.

Do you think Dalton was happy to get a Buzz Lightyear? When Dalton got a little tired after playing all morning he watched "Toy Story" with is Buzz and Woody toys by his side.

Kirsten gave Dalton a new set of toy tools. He likes to wear the

tool belt and "work" around the house.

Angela is the camera operator there is not one photo of her on Christmas day. We will have to do better at taking turns with the camera next year. We did take a lot of video and did capture Angela in a few shots. We had a wonderful holiday and hope you did too!!

Williamsburg Thanksgiving

2007-12-18T07:30:00.001-08:00

We had a great time at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. We went on a family trip for three days over Thanksgiving. It did get very cold, but we were able to balance indoor activities with outdoor ones and enjoy our holiday. We dressed up for an evening at the Capital of Williamsburg. Matt and Angela were invited to participate in the colonial dancing.

Matt was cast as a revolutionary leader in a colonial play.

Dalton learns to play a colonial game called "hoop and stick."

Kirsten plays colonial games with the locals.

The master of "hoop and stick."

Angela must have been in trouble (or at least willing to humor her kids).

Dalton learned to play his tin whistle just like the Fife and Drum Corps.

[I just love him in his tricorner hat.]

Colonial kids (after a night of dancing).

McGhies in front of the Govenor's Palace.

"I love sister, she loves me"

2007-11-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures over the last few days. I would see my two kids together and know I needed to capture the moment. My kids really love each other! They love playing together and helping each other. What could make a mother happier?

Dalton is sick and Kirsten is watching movies with him

Playing gameboy together

Learning to play Monopoly

Hairdo time - playing with the mousse

I love them both with all my heart!

"Drummers can get straight A's"

2007-11-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Kirsten in her band shirt with her Gold award certificate

Kirsten's middle school had their 1st quarter awards assembly this week. They recognize students that have perfect attendance, outstanding achievement and good grades (Gold = all A's, Silver = A's and B's, etc). Kirsten played percussion with the Wind Ensemble for each of the assemblies. The band plays a fanfare for each of the Gold award recipients. The administrator says a few words about each student with all A's to honor them. When he was introducing Kirsten to come and get her Gold award he said "Kirsten is living proof that drummers can get straight A's." I thought that was a fun intro. She left her drums briefly to come and accept her award. If you can't already tell I am very pleased with all of her hard work in music and in school.

Life is Good

2007-11-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

I was just feeling like my life is really good and I thought I would write about it. I am very blessed and am very grateful. I have a good husband and two beautiful children. We are striving to live the gospel and are currently very consistent with family scripture study (Thanks Matt). I get to be home with my children and also do family history. I am excited to be the new Assistant Director of the Family History Center. There are so many resources that are new and coming out soon that it is a great time to be involved in genealogy.

I had a fun time talking to my mom on the phone today. She asked about the family and we are all doing pretty well right now. Dalton had fun at playgroup this morning. He really loves to go and play with his friends, and I enjoy talking with mine. He is an adorable two year old and warms my heart with the cute things he does every day. He is happy and healthy and so I couldn't ask for more.

Kirsten is also doing well. School is good and her social life is good, so therefore "life is good." She just started her second quarter in middle school and things have calmed down from the last two weeks when she had projects due and exams. Middle school has been up and down, but right now it is up.

Our family is busy, but not frantic. We are enjoying activities and time together. I am working to get my class finished up so that I can prepare for an enjoyable holiday season. I hope that this year we can really focus on gratitude at Thanksgiving and our Savior at Christmas.

I am grateful for the contentness that I feel.

Blog formatting

2007-11-04T03:39:00.001-08:00

I guess I am still learning about the blogger formatting. I thought I had my Halloween post all layed out perfectly. I previewed and everything looked good. Then when I uploaded it seemed to lose all my instructions and rearranged my photos. Suggestions from those of you with more experience are welcome.

Halloween

2007-11-04T02:31:00.000-08:00

Kirsten and Dalton had a great Halloween. Dalton dressed up as a knight, which he really loved after going to Medieval Times last week. Kirsten and I worked together to make her a poodle skirt. Matt even helped stich the poodle applique. She and I were matching at the ward "Trunk or Treat," and Matt and Dalton were both knights. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so we don't have "matching" pictures. Dalton and his friends dressed up for their weekly playgroup. The kids went trick or treating on Halloween each with their own friends. Kirsten went with Katie and Dalton with with Calvin and Jared. They came home and had great fun sorting and sharing their candy.

Down on the Farm

2007-10-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Dalton says "mine friends."

Dalton's playgroup took a field trip to a local farm this month. They had a great time petting animals, going on a hay ride, feeding goats, eating a picnic lunch and playing on the playground.

Dalton on his "pony ride." The pony was bigger than we had expected, but he had a great time!

Feeding the sheep and hugging the goat. As a 2 year old he says "mine goat."

Knights and Ladies

2007-10-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Our family had a great time at Medieval Times tonight! We dressed up as Knights and Ladies and went to the Tournament. We cheered for the black and white knight and ate a feast. Dalton really loved waving his flag for his knight! He liked his helmet with feathers on it even more when he saw the knights in their helmets with feathers. He is excited to be a knight for Halloween. Kirsten was a real lady and cheered a little more properly than Dalton. Thanks Matt for taking us all out.

Dalton and Dad

2007-10-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Learning to play checkers.
Helping mow the lawn.

Angela's Arm Twisting

2007-10-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

Angela insisted that I write something about my week, even though I don't have anything interesting to say. Well, I was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) last week -- no big deal. I will have surgery to remove the small growth from my face on October 30th. I put my own name in the temple on Friday (that's a first). Afterwards I stopped off at the temple visitor's center to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir display. The highlight was the interactive exhibit that gave me a chance to conduct the choir.
On Friday morning, I took Kirsten and Dalton to the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge to see the beautiful fall foliage, where we got caught in a downpour 1/2 mile from the car (first significant rainfall in over a month). After noticing how low the lake levels were, we talked about praying for rain, but the Lord answered our prayers in advance.
Dalton has a new fort in the backyard, which we call "Fort Adventure". Photos will be posted soon. A couple of months ago our bishop asked the ward to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year. We are reading about every 5th chapter as a family and the rest on our own. My seminary class just finished Genesis last week, so I need to keep my head in the scriptures during my train ride to work each day just to stay caught up.
Well, since I have fulfilled my commitment, I will sign off now.

Sunday Morning Posts

2007-10-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

We decided as a family to post to our blog on Sunday mornings. We want to record more of what our family is doing to keep you informed and to record it for our family history. This morning there is a problem with uploading photos to blogger, so we will just write entries today and upload our photos when it is working.

Dalton is in a weekly playgroup with eight of his friends from church. We have been meeting at the park, and this week took a field trip to the farm. It is still 70-80 degrees here, but when the weather does get cold we will move to playgroup to rotate to all the friends' homes. Dalton also enjoys playing in his new fort (given to us by some neighbors) and going to storytime at the library. He has a new Tball set and is getting pretty good at hitting the ball.

Kirsten is loving Middle School. See her post for details.

I (Angela) have a new calling as Assitant Family History Center Director. I am excited to be in charge of training, especially with the New Family Search coming soon. I am working very hard to finish my last four assignments for the American Genealogy class I have been taking for the last few years. I have learned so much, and the end is in sight!

Matt is still teaching seminary and is back singing in the Mormon Choir of Washington DC. He likes to take the kids out to do fun things on Saturdays, especially if I am off speaking at or attending a genealogy seminar. Hopefully he will post his own entry on this family blog soon.

We will try to keep to our Sunday morning schedule for new entries so that you can stay informed about our family.

'sup family?

2007-10-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

'sup family?

Middle School is doing gr8 & I like all of my classes (exept Geography (-:)! For related arts I have World languages and Art! In WL I am studying German! Guten Tag! also in art I am making a clay pot shaped like a frog! :-) ! I got in Book Club, which is really fun to read a book then have a disscusion about it each month!!! i got into MHTV (Murray Hill TV) as a telepromter. I get to run the TV that shows the national news person what to say! At the begining of the school year I was in symphonic band, the middle band, but the director said that I was so good, she moved me up to Wind Ensemble! That is the highest band in the whole school!!!!! Next year I will be the drum major since there is no 7th grade percussionists! I am really excited!!! We are doing Oklahoma in drama and I am sure that it will be a blast! I LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!

KIRSTEN MCGHIE

Back home with kids

2007-05-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

The great thing about being away for a few days is coming home to your family. They really miss you when you are gone. The other great thing was coming home to a clean kitchen. Matt did all the dishes while I was gone. I love playing with my kids, and having a little buddy that goes with me everywhere (today was our errand day). I am very grateful to Michelle and Mendy for taking care of my kids while I was gone (along with Matt of course).

Fabulous Conference

2007-05-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

I am joining my friends and family and creating a blog. Usually I will write about my family, but right now I am in Richmond at the National Genealogical Society Conference. It is fabulous!! I am here with my best friend Rebecca and we are learning all kinds of new things from the top professionals in the field. It is a real motivation to get back working on finding my ancestors.