New Years Eve

New Years Eve found us in Lawrenceville enjoying dinner with the Vickers Crew. We had a delicious dinner at Oyster Bay, and our timing was perfect. We didn't have to wait for a table, and as soon as we were done we stepped outside just in time for the fireworks show. I thought Charlotte would be okay with the fireworks because she saw them on the 4th of July and talked about them for days afterward, but clearly that memory didn't stick. She was very scared and kept crying that the fireworks were too loud. Thankfully it was a short show, and we moseyed down the street for some delicious dessert at Sweets on the Square. We had a great end to 2010!






Not a happy baby after the fireworks show!

Canoe

We had such a good dinner at Canoe, a restaurant in Vinings. Bryce made plans with a guy he works with to have an adult evening out and it was such a nice end to our winter break. After hearing such great things about this restaurant it did not disappoint! It was great company, great drinks and food, great conversation....the perfect date night!

My friends are here!

The VanPelts came up to share some Christmas fun with us and Charlotte was so cute. As soon as she heard them pull up, she ran to the front door yelling "my friends are here I better run"!. It was hilarious! Charlotte loves all of the VanPelts, but she especially loves Raigan because she plays with her and reads her books. We had a great time with everyone and as usual I was sad when they had to go because we live so far apart and don't get to see each other nearly as often as I'd like.


Notice Charlotte's pointer finger up in the air. She does this whenever she is "instructing". She has two parents for teachers, she can't help it!


Jack (OMG, he is looking so grown!) and Jace


Charlotte and Raigan coloring. Charlotte woke up the next morning saying "I want to color with Raigan!"


Jace joining in on the coloring fun


Too cute

Snow days past and present

Snow day March 2009:


Snow day Feb. 2010:





Snow Day December 2010:





I cannot believe how fast time has gone! We definitely have a full on toddler now!

Pictures by Charlotte

Clearly we need to work on holding the camera still when you take the picture and not getting too close to your subject when the flash is on, but all in all not a bad job! Also a very eye opening insight into her perspective!

SNOOOOOOWWW!!!!!

We had one good snow day before it all melted away. Miraculously, I pulled out her snow gear from last year and it still fit! We added some layers underneath and headed outside, complete with wellies for snow boots! What a difference a year makes though! Last year Charlotte HATED the snow and wouldn't even touch it. This year she begged and begged to go outside and then ran straight to the snow to pick it up.





She kept picking up handfuls of snow and throwing them at people. Then she would yell "Snowball". So funny!


Ok, maybe it is a little cold out here.....


Trekking up the hill for some sledding fun


Big enough to go by herself this year!








Last year when we tried to get her to make a snow angel with me, she threw the biggest fit. This year she kept trying to make more on her own!


Baby's snow angel


Mommy's snow angel


Stan, the snowman


Warming up with some hot apple cider afterward.

A White Christmas

I've literally been dreaming of a White Christmas all my life. It is a running joke around here that every year I predict THIS is the year we will have a white Christmas...and this year my prediction came true! I knew it would one day! It turns out that a White Christmas in Georgia means a lot of worry and anxiety over icy roads that the State DOT and the drivers can't handle, but we didn't let it dampen our day too much.

We woke up Christmas morning and Santa Claus had already visited. The first thing Charlotte said when she woke up was "Santa be here soon!", and when I told her Santa already came she was over the moon with excitement. She went skidding out to the tree and stopped short she was so shocked at the new presents waiting for her. Santa brought her baby dolls a new white cradle, and she played with that while we fixed breakfast (french toast, yum). After breakfast, it was a marathon present opening session. We now know that we have to allot A LOT more time to present opening. It is unwrapping, opening, and playing before moving on to the next gift now. Charlotte thinks this Christmas thing is pretty cool though, and kept saying "Happy Birthday, Jesus!".


"Look, Santa presents!"


"WOW!"


Santa brought Charlotte a cradle for all her baby dolls. She had to go gather them all and "rock" them.




Penguin Bowling, a fun filled time waster!


I sure do love this girl.


Noah's Ark


"Too Heavy Guys. Guys?! I need help Guys!"


Probably her favorite gift of the morning. I am SHOCKED at the role playing coming out of her mouth when she plays with this!


Another favorite. A "magic toaster". When you push the button back up, jam appears on the toast. Voila!


Mommy and baby pretending to sleep under Mommy's new heavenly blanket.



It started snowing half way to my parents house. It was already sticking by the time we got there!




Ready for round 3 of the present opening.


Charlotte in her "genguin shirt". I asked her if it was snowing on her shirt, she said "No Mommy, those are stars".


Presents from Aunt Jenna. Fueling the Fancy Nancy obsession.


Grandma and Grandpa gave Charlotte the Tag Junior system. Charlotte is in love.


Show me how, Grandpa.


I think she is starting to look more like me.


I made this!!! This actual one!!! It is an apple cake recipe from Trisha Yearwood's cookbook. So so so yummy!


We laid Charlotte down for a nap at my Mom's house, but had to wake her up early. We had to say our good byes and hit the road before it got too icy!


Sleepy baby, happy family!