Christmas Morning!

We have a very very busy holiday coming up, so Martin and I decided to have a quiet morning at home on Sunday, and celebrated Christmas early. We exchanged our gifts and had a nice time. We decided to make a ham and invited our friends over to have dinner with us. It was a very nice "Christmas" indeed.



Charlie really got into his stocking. He was too funny. We couldn't keep him still so we had to stick him in his exersaucer to open his gifts!

Christmas for the Cousins

Charlie and Dylan got to go over to Mema's and open their gifts together this past Saturday. They were both very cute!

Playing with Dylan

Charlie's Mema had his cousin Dylan over for the day a few weeks ago. Charlie and Dylan had so much fun going through all the toys in her playroom.

The crate....

We have a crate for Loki, and while Charlie is free to roam, his new favorite activity is to close himself in the crate. Too cute.

Tree Lighting in Albany

We went to Albany for their annual tree-lighting ceremony. It was very low-key, and so much nicer because of that =) We went with our friends Caryn and Gary and their two little ones. We didn't take many pictures, but here are Lezley and Charlie hanging out in their backpacks.

Charlie's First Sleigh Ride

We got Charlie a sled last year, and have been pulling him around in the apartment for the last month. Last night we got some snow, and he finally got to experiece the sled outside this morning!

Five Rivers in November

We had great weather in November... very mild and warm! We spent one afternoon walking around Five Rivers Nature Preserve. Very cute and family friendly with lots of little trails- we even pushed the stroller down the one trail!

'Tis the season to be busy!

The holidays are upon us! We have been super busy getting ready and celebrating the advent season, so blogging (really, just posting pictures) has been placed ont he back burner. Here are a few shots from around the house, as Charlie gets steadier on his feet and is walking about...

Santa

Charlie met Santa for the first time yesterday =) He was in his little Santa suit his Aunt Sissy got him. It was so cute! A group of teenage girls walked by and all went "awwwwww" and Charlie just beamed. He is such a ham...

Shane's Gingerbread House

Charlie and I went to check out my brother Shane's gingerbread house on display at Crossgates Mall with the other competitors in the HATAS Home Sweet Gingerbread Home fundraiser. He is extremely talented and did such a great job!

HATAS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charity that helps the poor, the homeless, and others in need lead independent, self-sufficient and safe lives in the community. We are a resource for collaborative change. In addition to being the gateway to homeless services in Albany County, HATAS also serves over 5,000 men, women, and children each year in homeless, housing, mental health, employment, and domestic violence programs.

He and his colleagues took first place with a Peanuts themed gingerbread house. Absolutely adorable and for such a good cause! Go Shane!

Halloween

Halloween is tomorrow, but our preparations have begun!

Charlie had his pictures taken last week in his costume....







And tonight we carved a pumpkin!





Charlie had a blast playing with the "Pumpkin Guts"



Best pumpkin I have ever carved. (Martin helped too!)





Now all that is left to do is get some candy for the trick-or-treaters....