The start of a long battle

Charlotte? What was that crashing sound I heard? What are you doing over there by the railing?



Oh great. It looks like you learned how to throw toys off the balcony. Maybe you realize that's a no no?



I'm guessing that the clapping is not your way of showing remorse, is it?



I think this is going to be the start of a long battle...

Christmas with NanaB and Granddad

The playgroup menace

At playgroup on Friday, Charlotte crawled all over the place to steal toys and pull hair. Actually, she was very well-behaved (other than harassing one little gal sitting in the Bumbo by insisting on holding her hand), but she was definitely the most active kid there. It was probably because she was on her own turf, but it was still funny to see. This photo sums up Charlotte's mood for most of the playdate.

Cruisin' for boys

This is from when my mom and I took Sugar Pie to the mall before Christmas. The mall had these super cool car strollers you could borrow. Charlotte loved it (for longer than she usually will tolerate her stroller, anyway), and she was able to cruise for boys while she shopped. Who could ask for more?

Story time with NanaB

I scheduled a play group at our house this morning so NanaB and Granddad could see how funny it is when Charlotte interacts with other babies. Granddad ended up going to work with Corey instead, but NanaB and I had a blast watching the chaos. I had asked NanaB if she would lead a little story time with the play group and it was a big hit.

NanaB led us all in some finger plays, then read a story, led us in some more finger plays and a large movement activity, and finally read us another book. The babies really seemed to enjoy it, and I know the moms were tickled to have such a fun guest to spice up the play date. Thank you so much for the story time, NanaB!

Happy New Year!

We tried to dress Charlotte up as the new year baby (or whatever he/she is called), but she was not feeling particularly cooperative at the moment. Probably because she couldn't figure out why we put this weird sash on her and made her hold the noisemaker while she sat on the floor in nothing but a diaper. We also tried the fancy headband, but that lasted all of 5 milliseconds. I think it's going to be up to Baby Sanderson and Baby Malahowski to take the 2010 photo next year.





Corey tried to convince his dad to dress up as the old outgoing year dude, but Larry politely declined.

YIKES!!!

Life as we know it is over. OVER!!



Leave it to Charlie Jo to begin to learn to walk while her NanaB and Granddad are in town. Isn't that nice of her? I guess it's not really walking yet, since she has the assistance of her little dune buggy. She's not even ten months old yet!

Sweet photo

Corey took this the morning he flew back from California. I just love the look on Charlie Jo's face.

Uncle Jordan comes to visit

The day after Christmas, my little brother Jordan flew down from Seattle to hang out. That afternoon, we took Charlie Jo to the park again to see how she liked the slide.





I think she loved it!



Uncle Jordan helped entertain Charlie Jo while she chowed down.



Woo!



A holiday in Thousand Oaks wouldn't be complete without roasting marshmallows over the fire pit. Unlike last Thanksgiving, no one fell through the patio chairs.

Christmas day

On Christmas day, we headed up to see my Aunt Kim, Uncle Jerry, and cousins Abbey and Cady Lane at their new house in Arroyo Grande. We hung around and ate pretty much all day, but there was a lot of goofing around as well.

Beau kept all of us herded together.



The kitchen is still decorated to the old owners' taste. It will be interesting to see how Jerry and Kim personalize it over time.



The view from the house is amazing!



Cady Lane loved to hold Charlotte on her lap. She gave Charlotte many hugs and kisses, and she told Charlotte "I love you!" several times.



The expectant parents.



It was fun to see Abbey again. We hadn't seen her since Jordan and Jessica's wedding in May.



Where's Charlotte?



Peek a boo!!



No Charlotte, Abbey's braces aren't for playing with. Charlotte is always attracted to the shiny things she can't have.



Abbey forgave Charlotte for snagging the scarf on Abbey's braces.



Cady Lane taught us how to play Wii bowling. It's difficult to bowl while lying on the ground, but somehow Cady managed it.



Charlie Jo tried some goldfish crackers for the first time. She loved them!



Thank you, Kim, Jerry, Cady Lane, and Abbey for having us over on Christmas day!

More California fun

Grandma Jo and Grandpa Spike have really tall stairs! They're no match for Sir Edmund Hillary though.



I can do it myself! Hands off, Mom!



I helped Grandma Jo load the dishwasher.



Grandpa Spike can get me riled up like no one else.



We Skyped with Daddy.



I rearranged Grandma Jo's cupboards for her. You're welcome!

California Christmas begins

We had a good flight to California. It was long, but we survived thanks to some very nice seatmates. Charlie Jo slept well that night!

The next morning, Grandpa Spike fed Charlie her first Cheerios.



Then, Charlie took a bath in the big fancy tub.



Bathtime is always a big hit, but it was even more fun in a different tub.



Dressed up in her Christmas outfit and playing with Grandma Jo's slippers.



We took a stroll to the park.



Push me higher, Grandpa!



Grandma knows how to do it right.



What's better than dinner with Grandma Jo and Grandpa Spike? Nuthin'!