Christmas Day 2011

Christmas was a big success this year. In the past, it's been one of the more difficult days of the year for the Charles family. We've since learned to take it very slow and in extreme moderation. Our kiddos quite simply get over stimulated very, very easily. This year Santa remembered to bring fun, but interactive, small toys. Unfortunately, most of our Christmas adventure is on video, so these are the only pictures I have, but they are still fun. Both girls loved that they had matching shirts and wanted to dress the same. The Wii "Just Dance for Kids" and "Nickelodeon Fit" went over really well.Oh, and don't pass up the rather blurry picture of Dad's impressive beard. He kept it much longer than usual this year.

Wii "Just Dance for Kids" is really quite fun for these two.

Emma LOVES projects.

This little one is pretty easy to please.

I almost took it back to the store, but Dad got a huge kick out of the Chia Shrek head.

Polar Express

Emma's 1st grade class was able to go on a great evening field trip on the Polar Express to visit Mr. and Mrs. Clause. It was really quite special, and Dad even got to be the conductor on the "train." It was really cute. Ashy even decided this night that Santa must be okay; it had a lot to do with there being a Mrs. Clause. Merry Christmas!

Decorating Sugar Cookies

It's always fun to get together with friends, especially if you can play with cookies, frosting, and sprinkles. These kiddos had a lot of fun and were one sticky, colorful mess when all was said and done. The cookies were beautifully delicious.

Announcing . . .

I had been looking forward to making this announcement for weeks. Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned, but I'm grateful that watching this video reminded me that some times things aren't as bad in hindsight as they seemed at the time, if you know what I mean. We're very excited to be announcing the upcoming arrival of our new baby. Making it through the 1st trimester is pretty monumental for us, and everyone has been excitedly awaiting the end of June since.

P.S. Blogger doesn't like my video for some reason, but essentially, the kids didn't understand the cute "Big Sister" shirts I had made for them, were rather goofy (they're kids), then Ash got goofier while Emma finally got excited. I'll try uploading the video again later, if I remember.

Visiting "Aunt Kristine's Condo" in Salt Lake

For the last few years, we've been able to spend a special couple of days in December in Salt Lake with Nick's family at Aunt Kristine's condo at the Gateway. The girls LOVE it and talk about it for weeks leading up to the event. We spend the time just doing kids' things and enjoying each other's company. In addition to the activities pictured below, we were able to see Santa, go to The Muppets, and shop at Gateway. It was a really fun couple of days. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Charles and Aunt Kris.

We love seeing the lights at Temple Square.

This Christmas tree at the Gateway rotates through some beautiful light displays.

Grandma C. looks forward to taking these kiddos and cousins to Build A Bear.

Emma's really coming to love the experience of dressing her animal.

And who doesn't love a train ride through the mall?

Happy Birthday Dad - Nov 2011

Happy birthday Nick! It's fun watching how much fun kiddos get out of celebrating their parents' birthdays. We love you Dad, and we're grateful for all that you do for us. We hope it was a fun birthday.

Happy Halloween - 2011

Who doesn't love dressing up for Halloween! Ash wanted to be a panda bear, and Emma made it really easy and decided to wear the same witch costume she wore last year. They made a pretty cute panda and witch.

Boo at the Zoo!

Trunk-or-Treating

Post trunk-or-treating - Enjoying the good stuff!