TWC Caroling Party: 2012 Edition

Brinton Woods Nursing Home near Dupont.

Me with my "chorus wife" Cait.

Dave and Jeremy

Cait and Daphne

Dave in hat

Amanda in hat

Brian in hat

The whole gang.

Sorry this may be the creepiest photo I've taken.

Carlson Christmas Letter

For the second year, the Carlsons put together a little letter to update our friends and family on each of us. We enclose it in the infamous Haiti Card, which we traditionally send to folks instead of buying gifts.

Here's our 2012 Christmas Letter:

A Very Carlson Christmas Card

Randos of the Scottish Christmas Parade

Last pictures from the Scottish Christmas Parade... promise! In addition to the bagpipers and cute kids, the parade played host to a number of, well, randos. 

Because what Scottish parade is complete without a WWI military vehicle?

Or a minstral?

Or characters from Game of Thrones?

Or terrifying man-dogs. I would NOT want to pick up after this one.

Santa showing off his legs.

What. Is. This.

Holy crap it's Darth Vader. Thank goodness he's wearing a Santa hat so we know he's in a festive mood today!

Kids of the Scottish Christmas Parade

Definitely the cutest faction at the Scottish Christmas Parade were the fashionably be-kilted youngun's who strutted their stuff for all to see.

CUTE.

Military kilt and holly sprig in his cap? This kid is one BAMF.

Multi-Generational Kilt Day!

This is also how I get to class in Georgetown. Thanks for pulling Dad!

But the winner: Baby Bagpiper!

Day in Alexandria with Elmar

I was lucky enough to play host to Elmar the first weekend of December. Elmar is my Swiss friend, made famous by our trip to Myanmar in 2007, his visit to Virginia a couple years ago, and my trip to Switzerlandlast summer.

On Saturday we caught (and documented the living crap out of) the Scottish Christmas Parade, and spent most of the rest of the day in Old Town Alexandria. After grabbing some grub at a bar near the riverfront, we went to a gig my a cappella group was having. The Noctonals (check us out and like us on facebook!) were performing a concert set at the Athanaeum, a beautiful old building that is currently exhibiting very abstract modern artwork.

Here we are with Jessica as our frontman. Beautiful acoustics in this hall.

James Taylor, no not that one, singing Not Over You.

We then headed down to the marina catch the beginning of the parade of lights, where boats string up Christmas lights and motor up the Potomac.

Elmar poses in front of the marina. Notice the giant inflatable Santa on the boat to the right.

We were too early to catch most of the action, but at least we got to see Santa waving from the Alexandria Fire-EMS boat. Mark that one off the bucket list.

Bagpipers of the Scottish Christmas Parade

The highlight of the parade was undoubtedly the many bagpipe groups. Some bagpipers came from all over the eastern seaboard to march in the parade alongside local groups.

I just love this picture. Everything a young bagpiper should look like!

The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

The Scottish Christmas Parade was held a week ago, bringing over 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries, and Santa Claus through the streets of Old Town.

It was quite the day for kilt wearing in Old Town, with a wide variety of fashionable kilts on display. 

Leading the parade.

Irish on top, Scottish on the bottom.

Scottish soldiers! Bayonets and wolf head crotch-protectors!

Brings to mind, I am the very model of a modern major general.

Swordplay!

Flag bearers!

Even the pups got in on the plaid action.

I really like the pea coat/kilt combination.

Contrasting plaids making my mind explode.

Another clan.

Family clan.

I think the yellow/black plaid is my favorite.

Sad fox head crotch-protector. Brutal precursor to the fanny pack.

More Scottish soldiers.

A more modern take on the Scottish kilt.

Amazing pants and hats.

Kilts of every color.

Some more sword-bearing be-kilted guys.

Actually pulling a kilt off quite well.

These guys are so serious.