Walter

I've been away.  And it is our very special family dog that brings me back to the computer.  Here's hoping a few pics of the boys will send some comfort my parents way as they say goodbye to the best dog (ever) Walter.  He will be missed.  We love you guys!  He lived a good life…spoiled with love just the way you spoiled your kids.  

Walter meeting Joe for the first time (2006)

Charlie and Ben have been keeping me pretty busy (hence, no blog posts in almost a month.)  With Ben waking up at 5:30 am every single day to Charlie refusing to sleep in his big boy bed (or at all)…I've been a total nut factory for weeks.  Thank goodness for pictures…because as I look back at the last few weeks…it was all HAPPY!  And any bad times are forgotten.  Ain't that life.  

So what have we been up to…CHRISTMAS PREP!!  Charlie helped me put up the tree.  And both boys have had fun taking the ornaments back off.  Love it.  

Wow…1st look at the lights!  

Sitting up like a big boy

Ouch.

Not sure if I should have posted that last one…but figured it would evoke some smiles.  Maybe I'll delete in a week so get your fill.  

Charlie picked out all the toys he wanted from Santa Claus from the gazillion magazines that hit your mailbox.  This was a daily activity for weeks.  

"This one" 

We made brownies, ate one and then threw the rest out.  The sugar high + lack of sleep was too much for a 2 year old (or his Mom!)  But boy was the process fun.    

Mmmmm

And Ben had no idea that he was eating a mixture of apples and broccoli…vs. chocolate.  He was just happy.  As usual.  

Mmmmm

Joe fished out Christmas pajamas for Charlie to fit into and as I took this picture, I realized how BIG he is getting these days.  No longer that baby that used to fit in a car seat carrier…and who wore onesies every day of his baby life.  

Charlie had a Christmas Party at his school.  YAY for cupcakes and cookies!

I never get this much SUGAR!  

Hmmm…and then we went Christmas shopping.  Oh yeah…Daddy got a new TV.  

And let's just say the TV is bigger than this one. 

Dad taught Charlie how to play his new video games… 

Vroom…Charlie racing cars

And Dad also got Google Glass…which Charlie put on and started operating without hesitation.  Weird to think that he (and his friends) may be walking around wearing these in 10 years like its normal.  

And what was Ben doing during all this Christmas prep…

PLAYING...  

WATCHING HIS BIG BROTHER CLOSELY...

So this is how you watch TV.

GIGGLING...

After nap time…these two are CUTE

 Oh and READING...

Little books are all over in his toy box…the kid loves them! 

On a side note (not Christmas related).  Charlie had his first date AND he is starting to use the TOILET!!  WHA?!?!  

I'll save you the picture of him using the toilet…but here is the after.  

Thinking of everyone as we enter the Christmas week.  Pictures to follow soon of our Christmas adventures.  The Wysockis and Gardners arrived safely to Naperville and we are quickly settling in for a week of fun and memories with the boys.  Merry Christmas to all!  We love you!