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!).

December Daily: Day 27

Our holiday season this year included celebrating the marriage of two of our best friends. It was so much fun and the perfect expression of the love these two people share. 

 Two of my handsome guys

 Charlie and Noah partied hard :-)

 I'm not even sure what this was all about, but I had to share it...

 He's just awesome <3

 The beautiful bride and the two big boys

 Daddy having some fun :-)

 Photo bomb by the groom

 <3

Ben was all smiles all night...

December Daily: Day 25

Christmas morning :-)

 Charlie has willing used his own money to go toward gifts

 for people so Santa wrote him a letter telling him how proud 

he was and gave him some cash to replenish his savings.

 A kid-friendly reminder of the reason for this special day

 First year with our Nana-made stockings

 Santa was very generous

 handsome boy with his cheese smile :-)

 Charlie was such a good big brother and gave plenty 

of attention to Ben and not just his own presents.

:-)

December Daily: Day 24

Christmas Eve Mass