Santa!

Everyone in the grocery store asks Charlie if he's going to see Santa.  And I bet when you read the title of this post you were expecting pictures of the little guy sitting on the big jolly fellow's lap.

Well....

Sorry to disappoint, it's just a Pez dispenser Santa. (for now)

Someday he'll know they are even better with candy inside, but for now, it's pretty fun. 

Recent Happenings

1.  Pat and his Dad cleaned the gutters on Paul's last day here.

 Charlie and I looked out the back window during this process.

2. Charlie used a plate for the first time.  As he didn't want to leave it flat, you can imagine most of the food fell off. 

 But he managed to get some of it in his mouth.

He is LOVING his finger foods.

3.  Speaking of eating, Charlie had a guest at dinner the other night.  (Sophie the giraffe)

4.  We're starting to put on the winter layers.  Some days have been quite warm, but some chilly. 

5.  And most of all, Charlie's new favorite activity is standing/climbing (besides eating of course)

"Look, one handed"

At first he would climb up and be unable to get down unassisted, or without a bonk on the head, but he's figured it out for the most part now.

Really, he's trying to climb on everything (do you see Winnie'e eyes back there?) 

And lastly, Pat and I recently got the news that two dear sets of friends are expecting and we couldn't be happier!! I won't mention names yet in case they haven't been able to tell everyone yet.  But YAY!

Breakfast

Greek yogurt, blackberries and some of my Dad's honey.

Thanksgiving 2011 continued

Turkey butt!  Since Thanksgiving was a long day, CQ dressed with comfort and cuteness in mind.  ;-)

Uncle John and Charlie

My cousin Caroline's husband Jeremy and my Dad talking bees. 

I dare you to say my cousin Peter III isn't cool.  Yeah, I didn't think you'd try. :)

This was some of the best Thanksgiving weather we'd had in a long time, so we got plenty of outdoor time in.  Shucking oysters, drinking from the keg, visiting, snacking, etc.

 Cousin Susan and her farm grown greens. 

 Coloring Corner (I got in on the action Friday) 

my cousins, Libby and sister Kate

more cousins, Henry and Alexander 

 Libby, Elizabeth, Charlie, Kate

Oh boy!  Finally time for dinner.  My parents (and helpers) put together an amazing meal and fed 28 of us.  1 smoked turkey and 2 fried, the best dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, ambrosia, asparagus, collard greens, cranberry sauce, and more  (like desserts)!

 CHEERS!

On Friday it was a little more of the same.  More eating and hanging out. 

And before some people headed home (some people left Friday, some on Saturday) we got a great group shot:

And this one for our good family friend Dave who is in Afghanistan.  Sign reads: We Miss You Dave!

Rachael and her dad Jeremy (she rivaled Charlie in my number of photos taken over the holiday)

 E and Rachael. 

It was really wonderful to have Pat's parents hang out with my extended family.  Everyone got along great and I'll certainly never forget Charlie's first Thanksgiving.  I am one lucky gal to have such an amazing family, that is for sure!