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December 31, 2010
white wolf
Audrey was visiting Nana and Papa and Todd was visiting a friend, so it was just me and Charlie today. The weather was so unseasonably warm, we decided to visit the nearby zoo.
We'd never been in cooler weather and it appears that this is the time to go. We saw all the animals we normally see and a few that we usually don't.
Charlie was face to face with one of the wolves. Normally, we might catch a quick far-away glance of them.
On our way out of the park, a little boy was sitting on this blue bench and Charlie sat down right next to him. The boy's dad offered to take a picture of me and Charlie. So here we are, a rare outing together and an even rarer picture while out together. It was fun hanging with the boy.
Posted by jill at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
December 29, 2010
twenty-three months
I had decided that December was officially the month that Charlie went insane. We had a really rough patch in the middle of the month with a lot of crying fits and tantrums. Then just as quickly as crazy Charlie appeared, right before christmas, we had our old Charlie back.
Charlie still thinks it is funny to throw food sometimes at meals and is hit or miss on his cooperation with diaper changes, but is more often than not such a sweet little guy.
Trucks, trains and balls still top Charlie's list of favorite things. His talking continues to get better and better and he is stringing words together. We are not sure when this happened, but he no longer will say a long e at the end of words, they all end in a short a sound. He CAN say it, he just won't. This boy has ways of doing things and that is that.
Posted by jill at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
December 28, 2010
happy birthday, dada!
Todd is 38 today! Though we can't quite plan the big birthday celebrations we used to have before kids, but Audrey, Charlie and I tried to make his day special.
Audrey is notorious for ruining gift surprises for Todd and this time around was no different. She didn't completely give away what she picked out for him, but there was a few mentions of Batman to Todd the previous weeks. This time she at least knew to try and cover up her mistake. She really did pick out the mask and shirt all herself. These will go great with the Bobba Fett helmet he got for christmas.
We were a little apprehensive about going out to dinner to celebrate because our last experience was not so pleasant thanks to a wild Charlie. We threw caution to the wind, Charlie was quite the gentleman and we had a very nice time. Back home, we had cake and ice cream. Audrey accidentally blew out the candles before Todd could and then I couldn't get the 8 to relight, but I hope Todd's wish came true anyway! Happy birthday!
Posted by jill at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 26, 2010
channy christmas
Channy stopped by for a holiday visit today, bringing all kinds of fun gifts.
Posted by jill at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
December 25, 2010
merry christmas 2010
Santa came and brought all kinds of prizes for Audrey and Charlie!
After opening presents and eating breakfast, we loaded everyone up and headed out to Jeff and Rickie's beautiful new house for a celebration with Todd's family.
The night ended with a rousing game of Jenga and Charlie cuddled up on the couch with Jeff watching basketball.
Posted by jill at 10:41 PM | Comments (0)
December 24, 2010
christmas eve
It was great to see my extended family at tonight's christmas gathering.
Charlie charmed his teenage cousins Julie and Mackenzie.
Audrey and Charlie jumped right in to help Caden with his new Thomas train set.
Charlie had just gotten a new toy truck but just wanted to play with cousin Lori's holiday decorations.
Now the kiddos are tucked into bed waiting for Santa!
Posted by jill at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)
December 23, 2010
holiday hats
Posted by jill at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
December 21, 2010
sing a long
Audrey warned us that she does not sing in front of other people; we should know better than to doubt her by now. She knows the songs inside and out and had been singing them at home, but she was not about to give an audience the satisfaction of seeing her perform. She kept her scowl and did not participate at all throughout the entire performance.
Posted by jill at 08:22 PM | Comments (1)
December 18, 2010
Charlie time
Posted by jill at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)
December 16, 2010
pinecone present
Audrey brought home a present for Todd and I from preschool today. At first she said we had to wait until christmas to open it, but then decided we should open it tonight.
It is a pinecone with blue glitter. Audrey made it herself in class.
She chose blue because it is her favorite, of course.
Posted by jill at 08:47 PM | Comments (0)
December 15, 2010
future blogger
The girl preparing for the day we turn this site over to her...
Posted by Thrillmer! at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2010
simple pleasures
A nice reminder that childhood joy doesn't have to be attached to pricey toys.
As we get closer to Christmas day, perhaps we should consider trading in the kids' gifts for a few empty boxes..?
Posted by Thrillmer! at 09:33 PM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2010
a little more tree trimming
We already had the lights, but today saw the kids add some garland and ornaments to the tree.
Charlie was really good, though he can't reach very high. I was happy he only pulled a few ornaments off once we had them on.
Posted by Thrillmer! at 09:19 PM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2010
birthday movie
We promised Audrey we'd see Tangled for her birthday and made good on it this morning. Aud & Charlie had spent the night with Channy, so we stole her away for a bit before returning for the boy. She liked the movie, but once again I think she was happiest about the big tub of popcorn.
Posted by Thrillmer! at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2010
in awe
Charlie missed out on the tree construction last night. He was tired and was not cooperating. So he was amazed at what ended up in the living room overnight.
Last year, when Charlie wasn't walking yet, having the tree up on the table allowed us not to worry about him pulling it over on top of himself. We shall see how it works out this year.
Posted by jill at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)
December 05, 2010
trimming
We started decorating for the holidays today.
We needed new lights for the tree and Audrey requested blue, since it is her favorite. We got as far as the tree going up and lights on.
Posted by jill at 10:34 PM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2010
happy birthday, Audrey!
Audrey is four years old today!
She was excited about all of the presents she received (mostly books), but really was loving her new camera.
We got the first real snow of the season last night and I don't think a better thing could have happened to Audrey on her birthday. The other day there were barely flurries and she wanted to go out and play in the snow, so she couldn't wait to get out today. She was practicing her snow angels on the carpet inside while still in her pajamas.
Even on her birthday, Todd put her to work shoveling.
Snowman!
After the snowman, Audrey and I worked on a snow fort, really just a wall of snow. Poor Charlie was tired of the difficulty moving in his snow gear so just sat and watched. Audrey could have stayed outside all day, but we finally coaxed her inside with hot chocolate.
Audrey's other birthday wish was to see the annual local light display. She enjoys looking at holiday lights but I think it is mostly a ploy to get the candycane they pass out at the end. It is our sweet girl's birthday, so of course, we oblige.
Posted by jill at 09:33 PM | Comments (0)
December 03, 2010
birthday party fail, year two
Tomorrow is Audrey's birthday, and in usual Audrey fashion, she is sick! Today Audrey was supposed to have a party with a few of her friends but we decided yesterday to cancel because Audrey had a fever and was vomiting. She broke out in hives this morning. At the doctor we discovered, as has been happening when she has hives as of late, she has an ear infection too. The poor girl just can't catch a break. Her family party was canceled due to sickness last year too.
Nana and Papa braved the germs and came over for a visit. Audrey perked up for a bit while they were here. She was happy to see them, snuggle with Nana, read books and open presents, of course.
We already had ordered a cake for the party, so Audrey got to blow out her candles and share the cake with Nana and Papa.
Posted by jill at 09:03 PM | Comments (0)
December 01, 2010
waste not
I was annoyed when a single book ordered online came packaged in a ridiculously large box with a ton of paper filler. But, apparently, that filler is the best toy ever. Charlie, Audrey, even Natasha played with it all day today.
Posted by jill at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)