{CLICK HERE} for a phenomenal, year-end look at the most delightful Tumblrs of 2011.

DC TEMPLE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Christmas may have passed, but we're not quite done with you yet, holidays. Our delightful friend, Maggie (of My Maggie!), invited us to visit the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center with her to catch the tail-end of the 34th annual Festival of Lights and take in a Christmas concert by the Olney Concert Band. We enjoyed the music, certainly, but got an extra big kick out of one of the performer's parents walking on stage mid-performance to deliver a bottle of water. The kid was so embarrassed, but it was, no doubt, exactly what he needed. Such a cute family interaction! We also ducked in to the Nativities of the World exhibit and saw some neat-o displays. So fun to discover different visual interpretations of a universal story.

Maggie told us that the Temple Visitors' Center will be closing for renovations, but we hope it's back in action by next Christmas. What a fun end 'o the season activity!

{CLICK HERE} for a sweet new year's song by two indie darlings.

CHRISTMAS IN COLORADO

Because our family is spread across the globe, we always look forward to Christmas as our annual excuse to gather in Colorado. This year was our first hosting a Smithster spouse (hi Zach!) and we truly enjoyed incorporating some of his traditions (Challah bread! Menorah lighting! Pecan balls!) into our own.

Our most time-honored custom is making orehnjača, a Croatian nut roll. Our Papa (grandpa) introduced this tradition when we were teensy tinesy girls and we loved making it with him until his passing. An orehnjača Christmas will forever be part of our holiday celebrations! Also on the list of things we always do is wear matching pajamas selected by Mama Smith, pretend cookies are the breakfast of champions (can't eat just five!), read The Night Before Christmas as a family, compliment each other and say thank you, endlessly.

As you can imagine, leaving all this was pretty tough...

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Four twenty-somethings wearing matching pajamas. No shame.

Christmas was a glorious day filled with love, outstandingly thoughtful presents, Reeses Peanut Butter Trees and relaxation. Sending the best to you and yours!

WHITE CHRISTMAS VS. BEACH CHRISTMAS

Fresh off the beach, Santa looks really good this year.

Sarasmith squeezed in a chat on U.S. Christmas Eve/Aussie Christmas Day with her favorite Sydneysider. His Christmas package arrived while they were Skyping and included a whole bunch of treats and thoughtful presents including Panettone, which is always part of his family's celebration. So glad he was part of the festitude!

SNEAK PEEK: HOME FOR XMAS!

We've made it home to Colorado for Christmas!

{CLICK HERE} for the lovely X-Mas song we've been singing nonstop.

...and now, back to eating cookies.

TRIPLE TWIN DINNER

An unwelcome fact of adult life is that it can be really hard to coordinate schedules. We made plans almost two months ago for a triple twin date; three sets of twins around one dinner table! We also invited our wonderful friend, Alexis, who made the most significant contribution to the evening via a HILARIOUS story about an ex-boyfriend. Such a fun time!

In other news, District Commons. Good food, terrific service. Strong recommend!

{CLICK HERE} for sh*t girls say episode two...we can't open our mouths without sounding like this now.

BETSY & ROB TAKE CHICAGO

Betsy jetted to Chicago this past weekend with her best friend, Rob. They were there to visit their dear friend, Maia, who moved to Chi-Town for a job at Obama for America. As is tradition when you go to Chicago, we shopped and ate. And then we shopped. Oh, and then we ate more. 

{HIGHLIGHTS}

• Eating Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza. Makes perfect sense why it's such a big deal.
• Bruch at Orange. We ate the Chai Tea French Toast (that counts as an appetizer, right), Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes with Ginger Whipped Cream, Cinnamon Role Pancakes and the Tijuana Benedict. Foooooooooodddd cooooommmmaaaa.
• Seeing "The Bean" and having lunch with Aunt Debbie.
• Shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Why oh why oh why oh don't we have Top Shop in DC?
• Watching Woody Allen movies in bed. 
• Dinner at Pump Room; so historic it got its own line in this song! 

{CLICK HERE} to watch someone ask the question you've always wanted to ask on the streets of new york.

BRUNCH DATE @ SILVER DINER

Betsy's heading to Chicago next weekend and is in desperate need of a coat warm enough to help her survive the weather. We went on a Smithster mission to Unique Thrift (featured in our DC Oot and Aboot Guide) and on the way, pit-stopped at Silver Diner. We loved that the entire menu featured locally-sourced ingredients. It was also our waiter's first time flying solo, which was precious.

"YOU, NERO"

Sarasmith went to opening night at Arena Stage after scoring a free ticket from her dear friend, Breanna. The show was incredible, as was the reception that followed, featuring desserts so awesome it was borderline unfair. And in a true act of twin generosity, she brought home a few treats to share.

{CLICK HERE} for the aqueous fluoreau series aka gorgeous ink in water.

QUICK SKYPE W/ OUR FAVORITE PUP

Hi there, Charlie! Don't look blue, we'll see you soon. Countdown to Christmas starts now.

LATE NIGHT HOT CHOCOLATE + ZOOLIGHTS

{Q} What's the serendipitous halfway point between Sara and Betsy's respective places in Woodley Park?

{A} Open City! Perfect for a Sunday night hot chocolate and evening stroll up to the National Zoo for ZOOLIGHTS.

{CLICK HERE} to watch a real-time sketch of "a woman from the inside out."