growing up

It is sweet and a little sad to see Bennett growing to like all the things Charlie loved so much. He is not a baby any more! With Daddy and Big Brother's help, he enjoyed a pretty epic train track set up earlier. He is enthralled with them...

cousins

Emanuel was lucky enough to receive a new Nintendo 2ds for Christmas. Without anyone suggesting the thought, he asked if he could give his old one to Charlie. He has grown into such a nice young boy - it is hard to believe he is 7 already! As Charlie has grown up a little more this past year, the relationship between the two of them has really developed into something special. One that is sure to continue growing as they do.

beating the winter blahs

It has been COLD. And snowy. It is too cold to go out and play. And school has been cancelled fairly regularly. We are not complaining though because it is part of life in upstate New York and we love where we live. But it does mean that at this time of the year you have to go the extra mile to find things to keep little ones (and yourself) from getting sucked into the winter blahs. So far, we've done pretty well in that department. :-)  We were walking through the grocery store the other day and I saw a bag of bird seed and impulsively decided we would find a way to use it. Hence, the impromptu milk jug bird feeder. :-)

A boy and his dog

Ben has taken a new found interest in Chloe. He is constantly going into the cupboard to get treats for her and wants to help feed her and sit with her. She isn't an overly interactive dog - she is a grey hound and 11 years old, so her days pretty much consist of sleeping with the occasional break to eat, poop, and pee. Despite this, Ben loves her like crazy. He is such a caring soul - you can see it in him already. And she certainly doesn't mind the extra attention (and treats!).